EU concerned over recent developments in Sudan’s dialogue

January 27, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the European Union (EU) mission in Sudan, Tomas Ulicny, said they are disturbed by the recent political developments related to the national dialogue process in the east- African country.

The dialogue process, launched by president Bashir in January 2014, is on the verge of collapse say observers in the Sudanese capital. The government moves to ban the opposition National Umma Party, as the two more political forces suspended their participation in the process. Further, the leader of an opposition alliance is in jail since nearly two months with rights and political activists .

Also, the African Union mediated talks with the rebel groups, aiming to stop war and bring them to participate in the political internal process, are stalled as the government and rebel groups stick to their positions.

“The European Union follows with concern the difficulties facing the national dialogue process calling on the national dialogue to be more inclusive, comprehensive and transparent,” said Ulicny in a statement released on Monday after a meeting with the presidential assistant Jalal al-Digair.

The Czech diplomat said he discussed with al-Digair the Euro- Sudanese relations pointing that the European Union will continue to closely coordinate and support the efforts of the African Union High Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to bring all the parties around the table to reach a peace agreement.

The European Union funds the AUHIP activities and provides significant financial contribution to the joint peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID). It also supports the humanitarian assistance to the war -affected civilians and contributes to the recovery projects in Darfur.

On the same day, Ulicny discussed with the head of Darfur Regional Authority, Tijani al Sissi, the progress made in the implementation of the Doha Documents on Darfur Peace (DDPD).

He “highlighted the importance of the commitment of all the signatory parties to push forward with the implementation of the agreement to convince more groups to join the process,” said a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Monday.

The EU envoy sressed that the improvement of security conditions in the western Sudan region is a condition without which no international aid can be provided.

The two former rebel groups signatory of the DDPD are finalising the DDR programme implementation and incorporation of their combatants in the regular forces, as they prepare to participate in April general elections.

However, the Liberation and Justice Movement of al-Sissi is now split into two factions, a matter that the international community fears may obstruct peace implementation.

(ST)