“The EU notes with great concern that arbitrary arrests in Khartoum and the rest of the country are still ongoing and even increasing”, said the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on Friday 12 November, calling for the immediate release of all those detained since the military coup and the lifting of the house arrest of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
The High Representative’s statement, issued on Friday on behalf of the EU27, goes further than the one issued on 26 October in the aftermath of the military coup, which the EU strongly condemned (see EUROPE 12820/28).
“The EU urgently calls upon the military power to immediately release all detainees whom have been arrested since 25 October. 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 statement said.
The EU is also very concerned that the Prime Minister 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”, Josep Borrell stressed.
The EU also calls upon the military power to fully restore internet services throughout the country without delay. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)