WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement on the continued violence by Sudanese security forces against Sudanese citizens and the need for a comprehensive approach to post-coup Sudan:
“We strongly condemn the violence carried out by security forces against those protesting the October 25 coup that resulted in the loss of more than 40 lives. Responsibility for the killings rests solely on the leaders of the military junta who have made themselves the ultimate authority in Sudan. Recent reports that these same security forces used heavy weaponry to suppress anti-coup demonstrations reflect their utter disregard for the lives of the Sudanese citizens they claim to protect and defend. The junta's continued rule undermines Sudan’s transition to democracy.
“Those responsible for carrying out the October 25 coup and for human rights violations must be held to account. In light of the junta’s undermining of Sudan’s transition to democracy, the United States must reevaluate current and future assistance and support. As leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we will scrutinize and review U.S. policy, programs, and commitments for Sudan, and ensure the United States takes the necessary steps to recalibrate engagement through comprehensive legislation that addresses both matters of accountability and assistance.”
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