Sudan NC, SPLM talks over status of Khartoum reach stalemate
Oct 27, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The status on the capital of Khartoum has raised tension between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the ruling National Congress (NC) party, the Juba Post reported.
The joint committee of the SPLM and NC has failed to reach an agreement in negotiations about “administering” the national capital of Khartoum. This was said by Walid Hamid, the official spokesperson of the SPLM.
The negotiations behind closed doors began on 19 October. The delegation of the SPLM was composed of five members and headed by Abdalaziz al-Hilu.
The spokesperson of the SPLM has attributed the reason to the stance of the NC regarding the statues of the national capital. The National Congress party considers that the capital lies in the northern part of the Sudan and should follow all the administrative and constitutional regulations of the north. According to the SPLM that is against what is stipulated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
He adds that the capital has special statues, for it is a place for various cultures and its administration should reflect what has been stipulated in the constitution. He stated that what is happening now contradicts with the terms of the agreement.
Walid Hamid explained that the SPLM negotiation committee would not go back to the table of negotiation with the National Congress party.
The SPLM hands the issue now over to the first vice-president, Salva Kiir, to review the problem. The presidency will finally have to decide how to deal with Khartoum for non-Muslims.
The constitution has a special chapter on the specific situation of Khartoum that should be governed by “a representative administration”. The constitution emphasizes the “particular significance” of the respect for all cultures and beliefs in the national capital that “symbolizes national unity”. Khartoum should have special courts for non-Muslims and a Non-Muslims Rights Special Commission.
Abdul Haleem Mutaafi, the governor of Khartoum state, blamed, according to the pro-ruling NC Sudan Media Centre, the delay of forming the state’s government to the fact that the SPLM did not submit its nominees for the state council.
(Juba Post/ST)