Political Declaration of Unity between SPLM-SNA

Oct 18, 2005 (ASMARA) — On Sunday October 9th, at Sharqa Conference Hall, Khartoum, SAF & SPLM leaders signed a “Political Declaration” which successfully concluded a lengthy unification process formally launched in early 2002 and a subsequent 2004 troop merger. Lasting for two hours, the ceremony was witnessed by about 2000 invited guests representing political parties, NGOs, student, women and trade unions; and was broadcasted live, in its entirety, by Al-Jezzira – Direct TV.

The Declaration (attached) stipulated that “…all SNA/SAF military, political and administrative structures are now an integral part of the SPLM/A”. Accordingly, for all intents and purposes, Sudan Alliance Forces/Sudan National Alliance and its organs and members have no autonomous presence outside the SPLM/A.

Therefore, in line with this decision that advances the struggle for restructuring our country along a changed political, economic and cultural dispensation – a New Sudan, all (ex) SAF office are until further notice simply coordination units to facilitate the transformation/unification procedures.

– Asmara Office,
– Tel/Fax: (002911) 127630
– Email: [email protected].

Dedicated to building a Sudan of a new political, economic, social and cultural dispensation;

Committed to advancing popular struggles against all forms of oppression and marginalization;

Aware of the contemporary realities of our country and loyal to the shared vision and principles of a New Sudan, and to political, social and economic change;

Determined to advance the democratic transformation of our country and the formation of a state in which equality, justice and the rule of law are guaranteed not only by law and constitution but also in practice;

Conscious of the urgent need for establishing an inclusive state that recognizes and respects the religious, ethnic and cultural diversity of our people, rather than the present one that perpetuates marginalization and exploitation; a state that heals the wounds of war addresses social, economic, racial and cultural injustices and inequalities that are the root causes of the multiple civil wars in Sudan.

Aspiring to consolidate a New Sudan that safeguards equal opportunities for all in a country free from religious, cultural, ethnic, gender or regional biases and which abides by all human rights declarations and conventions.
Affirming our commitment to gender equality and the safeguarding of women’s equal rights, including the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Aspiring for a Sudan that is confident of its identity, proud of its diversity and can uphold, promote and protect the human dignity of all its citizens. A Sudan that is at peace with itself, its neighbors and the rest of the world.

Bringing to a successful conclusion a dialogue the two parties embarked on since 1999, the SPLM/SPLA and SNA/SAF hereby actualize their joint Declaration of Unity of 28 February 2002, which the Nairobi Declaration of January 2005 affirmed the fulfillment of its organizational requirements.

This union is based on the values that our two parties share with the rest of the national democratic forces, and is premised on the following perspectives and strategies:

– A country that is liberated from racial and religious prejudices, mutual fear and suspicion and capable of forging a national identity embracing all ethnic and cultural groups.
– A state that is voluntarily united on the basis of respecting the right for self-determination.
– The creation of a secular state that respects all religions and beliefs without discrimination and guarantees the freedom of worship for all citizens.
– Establishing a system of government based on democratic pluralism, decentralization and the rule of law, guaranteeing equal rights to all citizens in an effort to eradicate all forms of discrimination on the basis of religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, economic status or political affiliation.
– An even economic and environmentally sound development programs that address historical injustices through affirmative action policies in favor of the historically marginalized regions, sectors and social groups. Fostering a liberal economic system with minimum state interference but which provides infra-structural support for health, education and transportation.
– Adopting programs of human resources development to meet the requirements of the New Sudan.
– Separation of executive, legislative and judicial organs and powers. Safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, institutions of higher learning, media, professional associations, trade unions, civil society, as well as the national character of civil service, the police, national security organs and the army.
– Upholding programs for socio-political and economic restructuring and the forging of a new national identity – all requires a new perspective on relations with our neighbors, the region and the international community.

By issuing this statement the two parties declare that all SNA/SAF military, political and humanitarian structures are now an integral part of the SPLM/A. We believe that this unity consolidates the struggle for democracy, peace, unity, stability, justice, development and a new deal for all Sudanese.

Signed:

– Comdr. Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilo
– Political Coordinator.
– (SPLM/A)

– Dr. Abdelaziz Mohamed Osman
– Chairman, Central Council.
– (SNA/SAF)