UN chief calls on Sudanese to accept Hamdok-Burhan deal

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Chairperson of the African Union Commission called on the Sudanese to accept the Hamdok-Burhan deal. The agreement points out that it would allow to finalize the transition and hold general elections in Sudan. The US Secretary reportedly also urged the Sudanese people to support reinstated Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

According to a report, Antonio Guterres and Moussa al-Faki held a joint press conference in New York following the fifth African Union-United Nations Annual Conference on Wednesday.  Moussa al-Faki is the elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission since 14 March 2017. Antonio Guterres said that the Electoral Commission is needed to be set up in Sudan. He also talked about establishing a judicial institution in the country so that the whole thing can work.

The political agreement between Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was signed recently.  The agreement stipulated that a civilian government of technocrats will be formed for the transitional period. After signing the agreement, PM Abdalla Hamdok said, "Sudanese blood is precious, let us stop the bloodshed and direct the youth's energy into building and development." Since the military generals seized power in the month of October in Sudan, protesters came to the streets in large numbers in the capital of Sudan, Khartoum. Protesters also protested in other cities across the country as well. Guterres said that the United Nations fought hard to free Hamdok after he was detained by the military. Hamdok was arrested after refusing to issue a statement in support of the military coup. Subsequently,  thousands of people came to Khartoum to demand the release of the political leaders amid reports of clashes and gunfire.  The incident took place because of the failed coup attempt in September. Reportedly, more-conservative Islamists want a military government against those who toppled al-Bashir more than two years ago in mass protests.