Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Although Sudan was not on the agenda for the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 October, the European Union reacted quickly to the military coup which began in Sudan on 25 October. High Representative Josep Borrell issued a statement on 26 October on behalf of the European Union, which condemned the coup and warned of serious consequences if the move to dismantle the transitional government and its institutions was not reversed. On 28 October Ireland participated in a meeting of the EU Political and Security Committee where grave concern at developments was expressed.

After almost 30 years of military dictatorship, the 2019 people’s revolution put Sudan on the path to democratic civilian government. While there has been significant progress, the relationship between the military and civilian elements of the government has become increasingly fraught. Last week’s military coup and the detention of civilian members of the government and civil society leadership, alongside targeted killings and violence against protestors, represents a serious blow to the hope of democracy. The actions of the military, both army and former militia, put in jeopardy the hard-won transition, and the legitimate wishes of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace, justice and inclusive development. They also have worrying implications for peace and security in the region more broadly.

The UN Security Council discussed the situation in Sudan on 26 October, where Ireland strongly condemned the military coup, the attacks against protesting civilians and the campaign of unlawful detention. Ireland has welcomed the decision of the African Union (AU) to suspend Sudan from AU activities until “the effective restoration of the civilian-led Transitional Authority”. The Security Council issued a Press Statement on 28 October expressing serious concern at the military takeover, and calling for the immediate release of all those detained by the military authorities.

As the crisis evolves, my officials, including through our Embassy in Nairobi accredited to Sudan, will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with our partners for a cohesive collective response.