Washington, D.C. - U.S Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the following statement after reports today that security forces violently attacked a peaceful protest camp in front of the Sudan’s military headquarters in Khartoum:
“The violent eradication of the peaceful sit-in site in Khartoum by Sudanese security forces demonstrates the ruling military council’s lack of commitment to a peaceful transfer of authority to a civilian-led government, and further reflects the dangers of their continued leadership during this vital transition period.
“By ignoring repeated calls for a swift transition to civilian-led rule, and continuing to allow violent attacks on peaceful protesters, the military council will continue to prevent changes to the U.S.-Sudan relationship.
“I also urge increased U.S. diplomatic efforts to ensure that regional actors, like those from the Gulf States, cease from meddling in the transition process either by publicly engaging with only the military council or providing financial support.”
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