Sudanese parties reject constitutional proposals made by SPLM-N al-Hilu
September 29, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The SPLM-N led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu disclosed that some political forces rejected their constitutional proposal about the system of government.
In a bid to settle the ongoing political crisis triggered by a military coup that ousted the civilian-led cabinet, Sudanese lawyers held a series of consultations with the political forces including the non-signatory groups such as the SPLM-N al Hilu.
Mohamed Youssif, a leading member of the armed group and also a member of its negotiating teams, said they believe that the draft transitional constitution of the Bar Association put aside serious threats to the democratic transition.
He added that the other forces see them as intransigents and seek to dictate their positions on the others.
“On the contrary, despite the fundamental disagreements, we are very open to negotiations and discussing our visions with the FFC and all other initiatives. However, our main problem is that they’re negotiating over who will rule Sudan while we’re seeking to negotiate how to rule Sudan,” Youssif told Sudan Tribune.
Youssif said that the main goal of the transitional period should be focusing on tackling vital issues like the economic crisis and the corrupted political activism to break the vicious cycle of coup d’état and prevent it from happening in the future.
He added that the SPLM-N draft constitution is based on the principles of good governance, under which the tasks of the transitional government are determined.
“The SPLM-N put forward a draft constitution that encompassed structuring the state system as an important issue, the need to agree on constitutional concepts of governance and defining the functions of the transitional government.”
“The parties to whom the proposal was submitted believe that the time is not appropriate to discuss these issues. They said these issues should be discussed at the Constitutional Convention by the end of the transition period or by the elected Legislative Council.
“That means they reject the compromise we are submitting to them,” he stressed.
The South Kordofan armed group calls for a secular state in Sudan to protect the rights and cultures of non-Muslim minority groups.
They believe that a sharp separation between state and religion prevents a repetition of social injustice and unjust practices of the Sudanese Islamists during the past 30 years.
On March 28, 2021, the head of the Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burahn and al-Hilu signed a declaration of principles stipulating the separation between religion and state.
However, the talks stalled over the extent of this separation.
Also, the coup has increased the suspicions and fears of the SPLM-N as the military rulers seem more inclined to work with Islamist civil servants and seek the political support of the Islamist groups.
In 2014 al-Hilu, who was the commander in chief of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) forces, requested his allied armed groups leave the Nuba Mountains. Their expulsion came in the backdrop of human rights violations such as looting and sexual assaults committed by the undisciplined Darfurian fighters affiliated with these groups. However, Yousef stated that political disagreements motivated this decision as well.
The (JEM) of Gibril Ibrahim didn’t approve of secularism, as the SLM led by Abdel-Wahid Nur disapproved of the right of self-determination, while Minnawi was perceived as unreliable. Therefore, al-Hilo thought that there was no strategic goal to remain in this coalition, as it might trouble the future plans of his movement.
Asked about gold mining in the SPLM-N controlled area, Yousef denied these claims. He said that the movement is not involved with any sort of mining company. However, he underscored that gold mining is a traditional craft in these areas.
“Our movement doesn’t pay its membership, therefore the livelihood of our members is their own responsibility, they could mine, and they could farm as well,” he added.
Recently, the Sudanese political marketplace has been overwhelmed with deep disagreements. Some groups are diligent in establishing a consensus that would pave the road to democracy, while others reject this approach.
(ST)