Eritrean opposition groups call on Sudan to lift imposed ban
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
June 7, 2008 (Addis Ababa) — 13 Eritrean opposition organizations on Saturday called on the Sudanese government to revise the ban it laid against their political activity inside Sudan.
Recently the government of Sudan, after years of support has officially notified the representative of the Eritrean oppositions to suspend their political activity against Eritrea and closed their offices.
“The measure taken by the government of Sudan is untimely that will creates an opportunity for the dictatorial regime of Issayas to revive” a joint statement of Eritrean Democratic Alliance (EDA), coalition of 13 Eritrean opposition group said.
“The move is not a wise decision” says Qernolious Osman Agar, chairman of the Democratic Movement for the liberation of Eritrean Kunama (DMLEK).
“peace seeking Eritreans are disappointed by the current actions of Sudan for the very fact that such side-supports from other governments will only support Issayas government to further worsen the current political and socio-economic situation on the ground and it will further let its ill-actions aggravate the fragile stability in the horn of Africa’s region at large”.Qernolious said.
“Lasting peace in the horn of Africa’s region is unthinkable unless Issayas government is deposed” he added
“We call on the Sudanese government to swiftly re-examine its decision and resume a positive relation with all Eritrean oppositions inside Sudan.” The joint statement said.
There is no any official statement forwarded as a reason from the side of the Sudanese government over the latest moves but there are some speculations that imply that it is an attempt of trade by Khartoum which seeks a similar move from Eritrea side against JEM rebels in exchange by creating such diplomatic image.
On the contrary Eritrea’s ministry of information Ali Abdu recently said that his government will not take similar actions against Sudanese opposition groups in Asmara, despite Sudanese action
(ST)