Saudi urges new Sudan talks after protest crackdown

Saudi Arabia yesterday called for a resumption of dialogue between Sudan’s various political forces, expressing concern after a bloody crackdown on protesters. “The government of Saudi Arabia has followed with great concern the developments in the brotherly Republic of Sudan, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries,” said the statement on the official Saudi Press Agency.

“The kingdom affirms the importance of resuming the dialogue between the various parties in Sudan to fulfil the aspirations of the brotherly Sudanese people.” The statement comes after at least 101 people were killed as Sudan’s security forces launched a deadly raid on Monday on a weeks-long sit-in outside the army headquarters in Khartoum.

“To this moment, the total number of deaths that have been accounted by doctors is 101,” the Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors said after reporting that 40 bodies were recovered from the Nile. It gave no further details. Last month, Saudi Arabia announced it deposited $250 million in Sudan’s central bank as part of a support package in an apparent lifeline for the military rulers.

In April, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced three billion dollars (2.7 billion euros) in financial aid for Sudan.