Sudan’s democratic transition and the ruling party
Editorial, The Sudan Tribune
September 10, 2006 — Meditate the Sudanese situation with all the last days’ developments, leads to conclude that Sudan is back to the sombre days of deprivation of basic rights in the country. This happens despite the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and Sudan Interim Constitution of 9 July 2005.
The current Sudan’s constitution affirms in its article (39/1) the right of the freedom of expression “Every citizen shall have the right to the freedom of expression, reception of information, publication, and access to the press without prejudice to order, safety and public morals as determined by law;”
Accordingly, the freedom of expression is guaranteed by the constitution. But, the law should define the notions of “order, safety and public morals”. Actually, as it is commonly admitted, the ruling National Congress Party delays the implementation of these constitutional democratic dispositions. Since the NCP cannot continue to enforce its repressive arsenal as it was the case before the July 9, 2005, the Sudanese press enjoy of some liberties. In the absence of a democratic law, the ruling party determines the contents of “order, safety and public morals”.
This was the case on Wednesday 6 September when the NCP banned a protest against price increases for basic goods and sent police to fire tear gas, beat demonstrators and jail them. It was also the case when security service confiscated all copies of the independent newspaper al- Sudani on Saturday 9 September.
With such practices, it becomes obvious that the NCP will not honour its engagements in the CPA on this respect. On this field of freedom of expression, the deeds of the NCP are similar to what is happening on other pended issues: Oil revenue sharing, Abyei, civil service etc…
If the ruling party continues to impose its will in all domains, this politic of fait accompli, will certainly provoke a great instability in the country. The CPA gave new breath and strength to the NCP regime. However, the disgrace came very quickly and Sudanese feel abused by this regime. More than any time, the street is convinced that things must change.
Here, comes the role of the National Congress partners in the national unity government. They have to put pressure on the ruling party to implement the signed agreements: CPA, and Cairo Agreement inked with the former opposition National Democratic Alliance. If they cannot produce the expected democratic transition, they have to say that clearly and determine a clear position according to.
If not, they would be considered as accomplice with the ruling party and held responsible in what is happening now in the country. Unfortunately, this is already the case in Khartoum. Many criticise the SPLM and the NDA and ask them to assume their responsibility.