Under the title "Burhan to Blinken: Committed to Preserving the Gains of the Revolution," Al-Arabiya reported that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Army, General Abdel Fattah Burhan, confirmed during a phone call on Thursday the necessity of expediting the formation of a transitional government and emphasized the importance of maintaining the democratic transition in Sudan. Burhan informed Blinken that they are committed to ensuring a smooth democratic transition and preserving the gains of the revolution.
Prior to that, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, "We add our voice to those of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the UK in supporting the aspirations of the Sudanese people." Blinken called for the complete and immediate restoration of a civilian-led transitional government and institutions in Sudan. He mentioned on Twitter that the United States aligns itself with the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, expressing support for the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The four countries issued a statement on Wednesday expressing their support for the return of a civilian-led transitional authority in Sudan to address the current political crisis. It is noteworthy that Sudan has been experiencing a political crisis since last week following long-standing disagreements between the military and civilian components that took power after the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir.
On October 25, 2021, Burhan announced the dissolution of the government and the Sovereign Council, in addition to suspending the provisions of the constitutional document and imposing a state of emergency, in exceptional measures criticized by the United Nations and many Western countries, including the United States, which temporarily suspended aid to the country.
Additionally, the UN envoy to Sudan, Volker Perthes, announced on Thursday that the outlines of a potential agreement between the Sudanese parties include the return of Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, the release of detainees, the formation of a technocratic government, amendments to the constitution, and the lifting of the state of emergency. The UN envoy emphasized the need to reach an agreement to address the crisis in Sudan within days.
In a development, Sudanese television reported that General Abdel Fattah Burhan decided to release four ministers from the previous government: Minister of Communications Hashim Hasab al-Rasul, Minister of Culture and Information Hamza Balul, Minister of Trade Ali Jadoo, and Minister of Youth and Sports Yusuf Adam Al-Dai.
Moreover, sources from Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath reported that the Sovereign Council would be announced within 24 hours, comprising 14 members: 5 from the military component, 6 civilians representing the regions of Sudan, with the eastern candidate deferred for further consultation, and 3 from the leaders of armed struggle. Simultaneously, the Forces of Freedom and Change formed a joint secretariat to prepare for unity and will revert to the old name "Forces of Freedom and Change," without the terms reform and charter.
Earlier, Tut Galwak, head of the South Sudan mediation delegation to Khartoum, revealed that an agreement had been reached among the parties to the crisis in Sudan.
