Sudanese crisis: Britain orders evacuation as tensions dissipate | World | New

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with the military council and the warring opposition one day after the British embbady ordered the evacuation of non-essential Britons. United Nations international personnel have also been removed from this unstable country – although Sudanese personnel are stuck in Khartoum.

The attempt to mediate the crisis comes after months of turmoil that led the Sudanese Transitional Military Council to give up power.

They were greeted by the civil opposition, which demanded the secession of power and the transition to a democratic government.

The last few months have been marked by the worst bloodshed in Sudan since Bashir was ousted, with at least 61 demonstrators killed in an opposition camp.

Britain has taken a critical stance on the crackdown on protests, with Britain's British Minister Harriet Baldwin summoning the Sudanese ambbadador after being "sickened" by the violence.

She added: "Sudan must move to a civilian government as soon as possible."

The violence resulted in the suspension of Sudan from the African Union – an action that put pressure on the stubborn military leaders.

Discussions between the two parties were completely halted following the killing of protesters.

The army chief, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, said that the opposition could not trust the leaders of the transition.

Ahmed, who praised his diplomatic skills – including negotiating peace with his Ethiopian counterpart, Eritrea – will have crucial work to do.

The protesters also mobilized against various pan-Arab media – which they accused of spreading military propaganda on behalf of the military leaders.

The al-Arabiyya and al-Hadth TV channels in Saudi Arabia were the focus of the debate, after accusing the protesters of the violence that took place at the sit-in.

Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq called on the Sudanese army to ensure the safety of civilians.

"We have urged the security forces to exercise restraint and that the government respects all the basic rights of the people, including freedom of expression and freedom of badembly."