; (B) the Rapid Support Forces, (C) Sudan’s Popular Defense Forces and other paramilitary units; (D) Sudan’s police forces; (E) the General Intelligence Service, previously known as the National Intelligence and Security Services; and (F) related entities, such as Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation. (5) Transitional period The term transitional period means the 39-month period beginning on August 17, 2019, the date of the signing of Sudan’s constitutional charter, during which— (A) the members of the Sovereignty Council described in paragraph (3)(B) select a chair of the Council for the first 21 months of the period; and (B) the members of the Sovereignty Council described in paragraph (3)(A) select a chair of the Council for the remaining 18 months of the period. 3. Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States to— (1) support a civilian-led political transition in Sudan that results in a democratic government, that is accountable to its people, respects and promotes human rights, is at peace internally and with its neighbors, and can be a partner for regional stability; (2) support the implementation of Sudan’s constitutional charter for the transitional period; and (3) pursue a strategy of calibrated engagement with Sudan that includes— (A) facilitating an environment for free, fair, and credible democratic elections and a pluralistic and representative political system; (B) supporting reforms that improve transparency and accountability, remove restrictions on civil and political liberties, and strengthen the protection of human rights, including religious freedom; (C) strengthening civilian institutions, judicial independence, and the rule of law; (D) empowering civil society and independent media; (E) promoting national reconciliation and enabling a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace; (F) promoting the role of women in government, the economy, and society, in recognition of the seminal role that women played in the social movement that ousted former president Omar al-Bashir