Official warns against spread of tribalism within Sudan ruling party
September 24, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – A Sudanese presidential assistant has warned the membership of the National Congress Party (NCP) in South Darfur against the spread of tribalism and racism within the leadership in the state, calling on party leaders not to select their representatives on a tribal basis.
Ibrahim Ghandour made his remarks on Wednesday in Nyala as he attended the party’s convention in South Darfur.
Ghandour vigorously denounced the functioning of the ruling party in South Darfur, saying “the loyalty of its membership is based on tribal affiliations”. He further said the “NCP principles call to strengthen the national unity and bring people together on common interests.
He further expressed regret for the spread of tribal conflicts in South Darfur and the “bad reputation” the state gained.
Gandour comments come after the recent election conducted within the ruling party to select the members of the Shura (consultation) Council which will designate the party’s candidate for governor of South Darfur in the coming election.
Armed gangs regularly carry out attacks on commercial convoys, business stores and kidnap civilians. The spread of violence and criminal activities pushed the governor, Adam Mahmoud Jar al-Nabi, to declare the state of emergency in South Darfur state, including a curfew from 7pm to 7am in the capital, Nyala.
Besides the 11-year crisis in the western Sudan region, South Darfur is directly affected by the political developments and instability in three neighbouring countries Chad, Central African Republic and South Sudan which border the state.
Further the South Darfur is known by its ethnic diversity. It is inhabited by sedentary tribes like the Aranka, Barno, Fur, Gamar, Tama, and Tuger but also pastoralists as Rizeigat Zagawa and Zayadia.
(ST)