This action expands the Department’s tools to support Sudan’s democratic transition and demonstrates our continued resolve to aid the people of Sudan within their manifest desire for a responsive and responsible civilian-led govt. Just as we used our prior visa restrictions policy against those who undermined the previous civilian-led transitional government, we are going to not hesitate to use the expanded policy against spoilers in Sudan’s democratic changeover process.
We welcome the December 5 signing by Sudanese parties of an initial platform political agreement – an important first step toward forming a civilian-led transitional federal government and establishing constitutional plans for a transitional period. We support the plans simply by Sudanese civilian parties and the military to hold inclusive dialogues on outstanding issues prior to concluding a final agreement and transferring authority to a civilian-led transitional government, and we call for quick progress toward these types of ends.
All of us once again call on Sudan’s army leaders to cede capacity to civilians, respect human rights, and end violence towards protestors. At the same time, we desire representatives of Sudan’s civilian leaders to negotiate in good faith and place the particular national interest first.
Supporting the Sudanese people’s demands for freedom, peace, and justice under a democratic authorities, and recognizing the frailty of democratic transitions, the us will hold to account spoilers – whether military or political actors – who seem to attempt to undermine or postpone democratic progress. To that finish, I am announcing today a good expansion of the current visa for australia restriction policy under Area 212(a)(3)(C) (or “3C”) of the Immigration and Nationality Respond to cover any current or former Sudanese officials or even other individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic transition in Sudan, including through suppressing human rights and essential freedoms, and the immediate family members of such persons.
