Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and the United Kingdom are encouraged by the political agreement in Sudan, signed on 21 November 2021, and the reinstatement of Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister. The Saudi Foreign Ministry, in a joint statement with UAE, US and Britain, also urged that protesters in Sudan be protected from violence. They said this is a first step to resolving Sudan's political challenges and returning the country to its transition to democracy based on the 2019 Constitutional Document. They urged signatories to live up to the commitments made in the political agreement. They also noted with appreciation the recent releases of political detainees, and the establishment of a committee of investigation to ensure that those responsible for violence against protestors are held accountable. They encouraged the early progress towards the formation of a civilian government comprised of independent experts. They also urged early progress towards the political declaration and partnership framework promised in the 21 November agreement, and stress the importance of inviting all components of the 2019 civilian-military partnership to participate in this dialogue process. "We stress the importance of the early publication of a credible roadmap towards elections in late 2023 or early 2024." They affirmed collective and individual support for the people of Sudan and their aspirations for a democratic. stable and peaceful nation. Saudi Arabia, UAE, the US and the UK reaffirmed readiness to support all those working for the democratic transition in Sudan. "A genuine partnership between all stakeholders for the remainder of the transitional period, leading to free and fair elections, will help Sudan reach political stability and economic recovery." They pledged to continue showing solidarity with all those working towards achieving this transition. They also fully supported the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) in implementation of its mandate. — SG
