WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, issued the below statement following the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir in Sudan:
"After nearly four months of sustained citizen protests around the country, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has been removed from office. The courage, determination, and energy of the protesters -- who met in largely peaceful demonstrations to demand change from Bashir's violent, kleptocratic, and dictatorial three-decade rule -- cannot be understated. As Sudanese celebrate the end of al-Bashir's rule and mourn those killed and wounded, there is also apprehension about what follows in the days and weeks ahead. We support the decision of the State Department to suspend bilateral discussions on normalization of relations with Sudan and lifting of Sudan's State Sponsor of Terrorism designation.
"Early reports that senior leaders in President Bashir's military are taking control of the government clearly do not respond to the desires of the protesters for justice and rule of law. We hope the military and broader security establishment take advantage of this historic moment to meet protesters' needs and initiate reforms for an inclusive, civilian-led government that promotes peace, regional stability, human rights, and economic progress. This can be an opportunity to improve bilateral relations between the U.S. and Sudan if change is based on genuine democratic reform through a civilian-led transition. We also hope regional leaders are fully engaged in promoting democratic principles, as outlined on the African Charter, as central to Sudan's transition."
