US expresses concern for 'arbitrary' force in Sudan

By Safvan Allahverdi

WASHINGTON

The U.S. concern Wednesday about the growing number of arrests, detentions and escalating number of those injured and killed following almost month-long protests in Sudan.

The State Department's deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said the U.S. backs the right of people of Sudan to gather peaceably to voice their demands for political and economic reform, and "a more peaceful and inclusive Sudan."

"We condemn the use of violence, including the use of live fire, and the excessive use of tear gas by the Sudanese security forces," Palladino said.

The "more positive" relationship between the two countries requires significant political reform and "clear, sustained progress" on respect for human rights, he added.

Palladino urged the Sudanese government to release all journalists, activists and peaceful protesters who have been "arbitrarily" detained, as well as urged the government to allow those facing charges full access to legal representation.

Calling on the government to allow for a "credible and independent" investigation into the deaths and injuries of protesters, Palladino urged that: "To address the legitimate grievances of the population, the government must create a safe and secure environment for public expression and dialogue with the opposition and civil society in a more inclusive political process."

Since mid-December, Sudan has been rocked by mass demonstrations in several parts of the country.

Protesters blame President Omar al-Bashir and his ruling National Congress Party for their apparent failure to remedy the country’s economic woes and are calling for his resignation.

According to government statements, more than 20 people have been killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces since the protests began.

Opposition groups put the death toll at closer to 40.

In power since 1989, al-Bashir has pledged to carry out urgent economic reforms amid ongoing calls by the opposition to continue demonstrating.

A nation of 40 million, Sudan has struggled to recover from the loss of three quarters of its oil output -- its main source of foreign currency -- since the secession of South Sudan in 2011.