SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Reuters – AU mediator urges prompt trial for killers of Sudanese school children

31/7/19: Reuters – AU mediator urges prompt trial for killers of Sudanese school children, by Khalid Abdelaziz

 Reuters report that the African Union’s mediator for Sudan, Mohamed Hassan Lebatt, called for a speedy trial for those responsible for killing school children at a protest in the city of El-Obeid.

 Lebatt also called for the military council and the Forces of Freedom and Change to sign the constitutional declaration they have been wrangling over for weeks.

 The children’s deaths came at a time of heightened tension between Sudan’s military rulers and the main opposition coalition, and delayed already stalled talks over a transition deal.

 Lebatt told a news conference that a joint legal committee from both sides is due to meet later on Wednesday, when it is expected to complete its work on the document, and set a date for the signing of the constitutional declaration. Lebat said he hopes this would happen quickly.