Ethiopian PM in Sudan to revive democracy talks

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for a quick democratic transition in Sudan as he met the country's ruling generals and protest leaders, days after a deadly crackdown killed dozens of demonstrators in the capital. Mr Ahmed arrived in Khartoum to revive talks between the Sudanese generals and protest leaders after the African Union suspended Sudan on Thursday until the military makes way for a civilian-led transitional authority.

The move by the African bloc was backed by the European Union amid a chorus of condemnation of Sudan's military rulers over Monday's deadly crackdown on a weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters demanding civilian rule.

After holding separate meetings with the generals and protest



leaders, Mr Ahmed in a signed statement issued to reporters said that the Army, the people and political forces have to act with courage and responsibility by taking quick steps towards a democratic and consensual transitional period. Protest leaders welcomed Ahmed's mediation but insisted that any fresh talks with the generals could happen only if certain conditions were met.

The protesters and the military authorities have given sharply divergent death tolls for a recent crackdown. Doctors close to the demonstrators say 113 people were killed in Khartoum, including 40 whose bodies were pulled out of the Nile. The Health Ministry says 61 people died nationwide, 52 of them by 'live ammunition' in Khartoum.