Tagadum to participate in Cairo conference on Sudan crisis

July 1, 2024 (CAIRO) – The Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces “Tagadum” announced on Monday its decision to participate in the Cairo conference aimed at finding a solution to the ongoing war in Sudan and addressing the humanitarian crisis.

Egypt plans to host a conference for Sudanese political and civil forces next weekend, which is expected to see wide participation from across the political spectrum.

In a statement received by Sudan Tribune, Tagadum affirmed its commitment to participating in the Cairo conference and contributing to discussions on ending the armed conflict and achieving peace in Sudan. The coalition emphasised the urgency of addressing the humanitarian disaster affecting the Sudanese people both within the country and in displacement and outlined its vision for accelerating peaceful solutions to the conflict.

Tagadum has consistently opposed the war and advocated for a peaceful resolution. Sources revealed to Sudan Tribune that 18 prominent leaders from the forces comprising Tagadum, including the head of its leadership body, Abdallah Hamdok, will attend the Cairo conference.

Among the participants are key figures such as the head of the Umma Party, Fadlallah Burma Nasir, the head of the executive office of the Unionist Alliance, Babikir Faisal, the head of the Sudanese Congress Party, Omer Al-Digair, the head of the National Baath Party, Kamal Bolad, the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement – Transitional Council, Al-Hadi Idris, and the leader of the Sudan Liberation Forces Gathering, Al-Tahir Hajar.

Notably, the deputy head of the SPLM-N Revolutionary Democratic Current, Buthaina Dinar, will also participate, alongside representatives from professional bodies, unions, civil society organisations, and resistance committees.

Additionally, Egypt invited the head of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Mini Arko Minawi, the head of the Justice and Equality Movement, Jibril Ibrahim, the head of the SPLM-N Revolutionary Front, Malik Agar, the head of the Umma Party, Mubarak Al-Fadil, the secretary, Dawud, the head of the Supreme Council of Beja and Independent Columns, Mohamed Al-Amin Turk, and the head of the National Movement Forces, Al-Tijani Sisi, are expected to attend. The leaders of these groups are members of the Democratic Bloc which supports the army and participates in the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces.

The invitation was also extended to some intellectuals and former diplomats including Nur al-Din Sati, Al-Watheq Kameer, Siddiq Umbada, Allam Abbas, Al-Mahboub Abdel Salam, and Al-Shafie Khidir.

In a related development, a faction of the Popular Congress Party led by Ali Al-Haj claimed that the invitation to the Cairo conference was directed to another faction “loyal to the National Congress Party and did not represent the Party”. It added that this group supports the continuation of the war.

The African Union has also decided to organise a separate political process in Addis Ababa in mid-July for Sudanese political and civil forces to discuss governance issues once the war has ceased.