Sudanese preparatory meeting bans former ruling party, prioritizes peace and humanitarian aid
July 15, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – In a significant development, participants in the African Union and IGAD-facilitated preparatory meeting for an inter-Sudanese political dialogue have officially excluded the former ruling National Congress Party (NCP) from participating in the post-war political process.
This decision was reached during the conclusion of the first preparatory meeting, attended by approximately 20 diverse groups representing political blocs, parties, civil society, and youth.
The participants agreed that the first phase of dialogue would focus on crucial issues such as achieving a ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery, and establishing a transitional framework. A second phase is planned to delve into broader state-building concerns, including establishing a state founded on principles of citizenship, democracy, justice, and sustainable peace. Ensuring human rights for all citizens and reforming state institutions are also key priorities.
The closing session experienced delays due to disagreements over condemning the Rapid Support Forces and their international backers, as well as the formation of a caretaker or technocratic government. However, after discussions with the African Union envoy to Sudan, Mohamed Belaiche, consensus was reached on a final statement and agenda.
Mubarak Ardol, a prominent leader within the Democratic Bloc, clarified that the dialogue aims to be inclusive, excluding only individuals facing legal charges or convictions, particularly those related to genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes. This implicitly encompasses the NCP, which was dissolved and banned under the Constitutional Declaration.
Ardol emphasized that the meeting’s discussions centred on ending the ongoing conflict, implementing the Jeddah agreement, and initiating direct negotiations to unify and reform Sudan’s security sector. The participants also expressed strong support for the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, particularly to the hard-hit Nuba Mountains region in South Kordofan.
In his opening remarks, Mohamed Chambas, Head of the African Union High-Level Panel for Sudan, stated that the five-day preparatory meeting aimed to foster goodwill and facilitate dialogue between Sudanese political factions and civil society groups. He emphasized that the meeting was part of a broader effort to peacefully resolve the conflict in Sudan and pave the way for an inclusive inter-Sudanese dialogue. Chambas affirmed the African Union’s commitment to non-interference, stating that the meeting’s agenda and topics were determined solely by the participants themselves.
Chambas indicated that this meeting is one in a series of consultations that would be held with other Sudanese political and civil actors who were not able to participate this time. He alluded to Tagadum coalition, the SPLM-N led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu and the Sudan Liberation Movement of Abdel Wahid al-Nur. They boycotted the meeting to protest the NCP’s involvement.
Chambas stressed that a military solution to the Sudanese crisis is not viable and that continued fighting will only lead to further suffering and loss of life. This sentiment was echoed by IGAD envoy to Sudan, Lawrence Korbandy, who, in his closing remarks, underscored the urgent need for ongoing efforts to achieve stability. Korbandy confirmed that engagement would continue with those who did not participate in the initial round of dialogue preparations.
Korbandy warned that the conflict has spread to previously safe areas, displacing thousands, and reiterated his call for unconditional negotiations between the warring parties. He expressed grave concern about the escalating situation in the Blue Nile state, which he described as “extremely dangerous” and at risk of further violence.
The South Sudanese diplomat characterized the humanitarian crisis as dire and on the brink of total collapse, noting that aerial and artillery bombardments have significantly worsened the plight of the Sudanese people. He called for a comprehensive conference to address the political divide, end the war, and prevent the country’s complete collapse, stressing the importance of involving both political and civil actors in finding a resolution.
Korbandy cautioned against the proliferation of uncoordinated initiatives by international and regional partners, stating that this lack of cohesion, coupled with the existing political divisions, is exacerbating the already complex situation.
In a related development, Ambassador Noureddine Sati, coordinator of the preparatory meeting, acknowledged that disagreements arose among participants but were amicably resolved, culminating in a successful closing session and a unified final statement.
Sati emphasized that the participants collectively determined the dialogue’s vision, agendas, timeline, and participants, along with strategies for garnering international and regional support.
(ST)