Al-Mahdi pledges to work for democratic change in Sudan

November 30, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The leader of opposition National Umma Party, Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, has stressed that he would exert every possible effort to achieve full democratic transformation and comprehensive and just peace in Sudan.

Al-Mahdi, who addressed the Sudanese community in Manila, Philippines, said that the Sudanese people wish to achieve comprehensive peace and democratic change. He further stressed that they are doing everything possible to achieve these objectives.

Earlier this week Al-Mahdi received the Gusi Peace Prize in Manila among 15 laureates worldwide.

The annual Gusi Peace Prize is a Manila-based award-giving body that recognizes individuals or groups worldwide that have contributed to the attainment of peace and respect for human dignity through their achievements in various fields.

Al-Mahdi told the pro-government Ashorooq TV after receiving the award that it is a source of pride for all Sudanese people wishing that just and comprehensive peace and democracy prevail in Sudan and the whole world.

Al-Mahdi who leads the largest opposition party in Sudan, is opposed to the use of force to topple the regime. Instead, he calls for holding comprehensive talks including rebel groups and political parties and the ruling National Congress Party (NCP).

He also proposes, like the other opposition parties, the formation of a national unity government to run the country during an interim period followed by elections after settlement of regional conflicts and agreement on constitutional principles.

The Sudanese government refuses opposition’s demand for the formation of an interim government and parliament, calling on them to prepare themselves to compete freely in 2015 general elections.

For the alliance of rebel groups, the government proposes separate talks on Darfur, South Kordofan, and the Blue Nile.

(ST)