McGovern Statement Supporting the People of Sudan and their Right to Peacefully Protest

Washington, June 29, 2019

WORCESTER, MA – Today, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, issued the following statement supporting the people of Sudan and their right to peacefully protest:

“We continue to stand with the peaceful protesters in Sudan who are exercising their fundamental right to be heard. It has been nearly 100 days since Omar al-Bashir was ousted. It is now long past time for the Transitional Military Council to turn over power to a civilian-led government.

“The United States, the international community, and my office will be closely watching the situation in Sudan this weekend as protesters renew their peaceful demands for real change. Sudanese security forces must not harm unarmed civilians or journalists. The consequences for such violence will fall squarely on Hemeti, the RSF, and Sudanese military and security forces.

“I strongly urge the Transitional Military Council to engage in mediation efforts led by the African Union and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. International credibility – and U.S. partnership – now depend on a quick and peaceful transition to civilian leadership.”