The agreement reached by the Transitional Military Council and the Forces for Freedom and Change in Sudan on a three-year civilian-led transition, as announced by the African Union, is a breakthrough.

The efforts of the African Union/Ethiopian mediation have played a crucial role in facilitating the two sides reaching an agreement.

It is important that the parties implement the agreement reached in good faith and also continue talks on outstanding issues. A competent and an empowered civilian government that can restore peace, deliver economic prosperity and protect the human rights of all in Sudan should be formed promptly.

As soon as such a government takes office, the EU will be ready to engage with it on ways to support the transition.

The European Union is committed to a stable, democratic and prosperous future for Sudan, for the benefit of its people, and will continue its work with all the stakeholders with this objective firmly in mind.