Darfur MPs say opposed to LJM’s presence in the Sudanese parliament
October 4, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — Darfur’s legislative caucus showed opposition to the allocation of parliamentary seats for the former rebel Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) saying that interim constitution does not guarantee them such participation.
The DDPD provides that the share of Darfur from any vacant seats in the National Legislature (the two parliamentary chambers) after the secession of South Sudan “shall be filled by the Movements through an arrangement to be agreed upon by the Parties”.
The secretary general of Darfur legislative caucus, Hamid Abdella Hamad told the pro-government news service (SMC) that allocating some seats to the former rebel group is not assigned by law or the Constitution.
Hamid further stressed that the vacuum of south Sudan seats in the parliament will not guarantee parliament membership for LJM. He pointed out the former rebel movement needs to achieve its transformation to a political party, as it is requested by the political parties commission.
LJM vice-president Ahmed Abdel Shafi held a meeting with the legislators members of Darfur caucus on 13 September in Khartoum to present the Movement and discuss ways to cooperate together in Darfur and at the national level.
Abdel Shafi also told the meeting that his group as provided in the DDPD will get some parliamentary seats and they should coordinate together beyond political cleavages for the interest Darfur region and Sudan.
Hamed said the political partnership between the NCP and the LJM can ensure the participation of the former rebels in the political life and the realisation of peace in Darfur. He also reiterated the government seriousness to implement the deal on the ground through the joint cooperation and coordination with LJM.
Before the singing of the DDPD on 14 July, leading NCP figures from Darfur contested the peace deal with LJM saying that the group has no impact on the ground and does not deserve to be given all these positions in the national and local institutions.
LJM leader Tijani al-Sissi, who is expected in Khartoum on 10 October, was appointed last month as chairman of the Darfur Regional Authority. Also, President Omer al-Bashir appointed a vice-president from Darfur as is provided in the peace document, despite him being a member of the ruling party.
The president is also expected to announce the establishment of two new states in Central and East Darfur and to appoint a governor in the new states from the rebel group.
Today, Wednesday, the former chief negotiator for the government Amin Hassan Omer who is tasked with implementation of the Doha peace deal discussed issues related to the DDPD with the justice minister Omer Bushara Dousa.
The two officials discussed the establishment of special courts for Darfur crimes and a human rights commission. They also agreed to set up a joint mechanism.
(ST)