PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Sudan: Development Aid (20 October 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help support the Sudanese people in response to the attempted coup in that country in September 2021.

Asked by:
Dame Harriett Baldwin (Conservative)

We strongly condemn the actions of the Sudanese military on 25 October to detain Prime Minister Hamdok and members of the civilian government, declare a state of emergency and unilaterally dissolve the transitional government. Over the past two years, the UK has taken a leading role to support Sudan on their delicate path from oppressive autocratic rule to freedom and democracy. The actions of the military represents a betrayal of the Sudanese people and their journey to democracy.

Prior to these recent events I spoke to Hamdok on 22 September to assure him of UK support to the civilian-led transition following the attempted coup of 21 September. I then had the opportunity to meet with Hamdok, General Burhan and other senior members of the government during my visit to Khartoum on 19/20 October. I urged all sides to work together and implement the Constitutional Declaration and Juba Peace Agreement in full; a message that still stands. We urge Sudan's military leadership to reverse their course, to release detained politicians, and to ensure Sudanese people can protest without fear of violence. The United Kingdom has, and will continue to be, a consistent and firm advocate for Sudan's transition to democracy.

Answered by:
Vicky Ford (Conservative)
28 October 2021