Tagadum conference begins in Addis Ababa after one-day delay

May 26, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – The inaugural meeting of the Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces known as “Taqadum”, initially scheduled for Sunday, May 26th, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was postponed for one day due to security and logistical obstacles encountered by some participants travelling from Sudan..

The conference, scheduled to run from May 27 to 30, aims to address the ongoing war and its humanitarian consequences, establish the coalition’s political vision and organizational structure, and elect a leadership council.

Bakry Eljack, the spokesperson for Tagadum, revealed in a press conference that some participants encountered security threats en route to Addis Ababa, resulting in a reduced attendance of approximately 500 out of 670 expected attendees.

The political event aimed to gather civil society groups and garner grassroots support. However, many within the country faced challenges travelling between regions due to the war, and Sudanese security forces prevented some participants from leaving the country through Port Sudan.

Eljack emphasized the coalition’s unified stance and dismissed rumours of disagreements with other groups. He highlighted the participation of several entities as observers, including the Popular Congress Party, the Democratic Unionist Party Elhassan Al-Mirghani’s faction, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North of Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, as a positive step towards broader cooperation.

He confirmed that invitations were extended to the United Nations to participate as an observer but clarified that the coalition does not intend to involve international parties in the conference deliberations. Several international envoys are expected to attend only on the final day.

Eljack underscored the conference’s focus on formulating a new vision for ending the war and rebuilding Sudan, stating, “We are here to ensure that all Sudanese see themselves in this vision. There are entities that criticize Tagadum, but their members are present at the conference, which is a positive sign of agreement on several issues.”

Leadership meetings addressed logistical obstacles and discussed the coalition’s response to the ongoing war. The meetings resulted in the approval of a political vision and organizational structure, which will be presented to the conference for deliberation and the selection of new leadership through consensus.

Eljack denied any agreement to change the coalition’s name, stating that the matter would be left to the conference to decide.