As stated in the declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on 26 October 2021 on the crisis in Sudan, the EU notes with great concern that arbitrary arrests in Khartoum and in the rest of the country are still ongoing and even increasing.
The EU urgently calls upon the military power to immediately release all detainees whom have been arrested since 25 October last. Equally, the EU emphasizes that the physical integrity of these detainees and the respect for their human rights are the full responsibility of the military power, and that they will be held accountable. It is essential for security forces to exercise restraint and respect the right for peaceful demonstration, with new announced peaceful demonstrations expected during the coming days.
The EU also notes with great concern that Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok continues to be under house arrest and that his ability to communicate with the outside world is severely limited. The EU Ambassadors in Khartoum have not been able to meet him again after their visit following his release from military detention immediately after the coup d’Etat. The Prime Minister must be able to play his fully legitimate and indispensable role in navigating the country towards a return to the constitutional document and the Juba peace agreement. For this, he needs to be free to move and meet without condition or limitation. The EU therefore urges the military power to facilitate the international community to meet with the Prime Minister and to lift his house arrest, restoring his full liberty.
The EU also calls upon the military power to fully restore internet services throughout the country without delay. Free access to information for all Sudanese citizens is indispensable for achieving freedom, justice and peace for all.