Sudan's civilian-led government praised a year after dictator Al Bashir toppled

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok commended by US, UK and Norway

Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok (C) is greeted by supporters. AFP / Ashraf Shazly

On the first anniversary of the toppling of Sudanese dictator Omar Al Bashir, the civilian-led government has been praised by members of the international community.

The gesture came as the transitional government faced mounting pressure from food and fuel shortages, power cuts and unemployment.

In their joint statement, the US, UK and Norway (Troika) congratulated Sudan and renewed their commitment to supporting its "peaceful, democratic transition".

"[We] congratulate the civilian-led transitional government and the people of Sudan on the one-year anniversary of the ouster of Omar Al Bashir and his regime," the statement said.

"This created the opportunity to forge a new political order and social contract in Sudan. We commend Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and the civilian-led transitional government, as well as other stakeholders, especially those representing civil society, on their efforts to deliver peace, justice, and freedom to the Sudanese people.

"We recognise the efforts being made to ensure that the people of Sudan enjoy equality and respect for their human rights, including religious freedom. Sustainable progress in these areas reflects the values and fulfils the aspirations of the Sudanese people."

It raised concerns that "much urgent" work remained to be done to achieve the goals of the revolution.

"Sudan has an unprecedented opportunity to advance justice, peace, and development for all people in Sudan and to empower women, youth, and those from traditionally marginalised areas," it said.

"As an immediate next step, we look forward to seeing progress on forming the Transitional Legislative Council, appointing civilian governors, concluding peace agreements with armed opposition groups, undertaking serious, although initially painful, economic reforms, and increasing the transparency of government finances, including those of the security institutions."

Last October, the transitional government committed to a permanent ceasefire.

The Troika said the recent unilateral ceasefires declared by two rebel groups were "important signs of good will".

"We support the UN secretary-general’s call for a global coronavirus ceasefire and we call on all parties involved in Sudan’s armed conflicts to commit to permanent ceasefires and unhindered humanitarian access," it said.

"Yet, peace is more than the absence of war, and it is urgent that all parties agree on the terms of a comprehensive peace. We appreciate and welcome reports of progress in the peace negotiations in Juba.

"We call on all parties, especially those that so far have refused to engage in meaningful negotiations, to join in a comprehensive peace agreement."

The Troika recognised the additional challenges Sudan now faces due to coronavirus and was committed to helping, it said.

"As well as responding to the pandemic, we recognise the significant economic problems that Sudan continues to face," it added.

"Progressing a reform programme to help address these problems and help stabilise and stimulate the economy would allow the international community to work with and support the civilian-led transitional government.

"It would also help in the response to the pandemic. The Troika countries are committed to helping Sudan in this time of need."

Al Bashir’s generals removed him from power on April 11, 2019, after months of nationwide protests against his 29-year rule.

He was detained shortly after his removal and sentenced to two years in jail after being convicted of corruption.

Al Bashir is likely to face separate trials for ordering the fatal shooting of protesters and for overthrowing a democratically elected government in a military coup he led in 1989.

Sudan’s transitional rulers have indicated that he could also be tried before the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in the western Darfur region in the 2000s.