Qatar welcomes launch of UN-backed dialogue in Sudan

Qatar's foreign ministry on Saturday backed a dialogue brokered by the United Nations to help end the unrest following Sudan's 25 October military coup.

Doha said the discussions would create a path towards achieving an agreement catering to all Sudanese citizens and which will bring calm, justice and liberty, Anadolu Agency reported.

The Gulf state also emphasised its backing of Sudanese independence, integrity and stability.

The dialogue was announced by the United Nations on Saturday as Khartoum's pathway to civilian rule lies in ruin.

Sudan's de facto ruler, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan talked with UN chief Antonio Guterres on Friday. Guterres insisted that a civilian government must be established.

Protests have been a constant fixture in Sudan and especially in Khartoum since the 25 October coup. At least 60 people have been killed during demonstrations with hundreds more wounded.

The military takeover overthrew a collective head of state composed of both civilian and military officials.

These leaders were supposed to see the country through to 2023, when its first democratic election following the 2019 removal of dictator Omar Al-Bashir would be held.

While civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok resumed his role a month and a half after the coup, this was under a deal that was widely denounced in Sudan.

The premier quit his job last Sunday.