The United States reiterated its support for the Sudanese people on Thursday, condemning what it described as a "military seizure of civilian power." It was noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and they agreed that Sudan must return to civilian leadership in accordance with the 2019 constitutional declaration, according to a statement from the State Department. They emphasized the importance of the Sudanese people's right to peaceful assembly and to express their demands for civilian governance free from armed intervention and other forms of forceful interference.
**Release of Detainees**
For his part, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed American support for the Sudanese people. He tweeted on Thursday that he spoke by phone with Sudan's ousted Foreign Minister, Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, to discuss the best ways for the United States to support the Sudanese people's demand for a return to democracy. He also called for the release of all civilian detainees. Additionally, State Department spokesman Ned Price clarified that Blinken discussed Washington's support for a civilian transition in accordance with the constitutional declaration.
**Suspension of Aid**
It is noteworthy that since last Monday (October 25, 2021), following the announcement by Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to dissolve the government and impose a state of emergency, thousands of Sudanese citizens have taken to the streets, demanding the release of several ministers and civilian officials, as well as a transfer of power to civilian leadership. Moreover, on Wednesday, workers from a state oil company, doctors, and pilots joined the civilian groups opposing the dissolution of the government.
While Burhan affirmed that a new civilian government would be formed soon to lead the country towards legislative elections, culminating in a complete transition to democracy, Washington announced the suspension of all financial aid to Khartoum, condemning the military's actions. Likewise, the World Bank announced the suspension of all disbursements for operations in Sudan. World Bank President David Malpass expressed grave concern about the recent events in Khartoum and feared the acute impact they could have on the country’s social and economic recovery and development.
It is important to mention that the country has been experiencing severe tensions between civilian and military components that have held transitional power since 2019, following the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir.
