Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
The United States government said on Thursday that it stands with the people of Sudan as they struggle to achieve democratic and civilian-led governance, and that it remains committed to helping them “achieve the goals of their revolution.”
“We remain committed to helping the Sudanese people achieve the goals of their revolution, as a country that is stable, prosperous, and at peace with itself and its neighbors, and urge all Sudanese actors to engage constructively in ongoing negotiations toward establishing a civilian-led transition,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a news conference in Washington.
Price opened the news conference by noting that Sudan will be observing two important anniversaries. “Tomorrow, October 21st, is the anniversary of the beginning of the 1964 October Revolution against military rule that caused the fall of that regime; and Wednesday, October 25th, will mark one year since the 2021 military takeover. Both highlight the Sudanese people’s longstanding struggle to achieve democratic, civilian-led governance,” he said.
Price added, “On these anniversaries we remember the countless Sudanese who have bravely and at great risk demanded freedom, peace, justice, and an end to military rule. We honor all of those who were injured, harmed, or gave their lives for freedom in Sudan and call on the government – including the military and security services – to fully respect freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly.
“And finally, this week, on October 22nd, the United States will commemorate the one-year milestone release of the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality or the NGS. With the release of the United States’ first-ever National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, the administration reaffirmed that advancing the rights of women – excuse me – advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity is both a moral and a strategic imperative.
“Secretary Blinken is committed to implementing the NGS as a core component of U.S. foreign policy and national security. When women and girls can meaningfully participate in social, political, and economic life, it results in more peaceful, democratic, and prosperous nations, to the benefit of all individuals.”
