Darfur JEM proposes an interim government to deal with Sudan’s “new reality”
July 20, 2008 (LONDON) — A Darfur rebel movement proposed the formation of an interim government saying that the indictment of the Sudanese president by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has “eroded his legitimacy” and created a “new reality” in the country.
In his second case about Darfur crimes, the Prosecutor has concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe that president Omar al-Bashir bears criminal responsibility in relation to 10 counts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Accordingly, the Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked the pre-trial Chamber judges on Monday 14 July to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir.
“The erosion of legitimacy of the current Sudanese government obligates all political parties and forces to intervene in a responsible way and prevent the country from sliding into chaos, anarchy and constitutional vacuum.” The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) said in a statement issued by the head of the Political affairs bureau Ahmed Lissan Tugud.
JEM motivated its proposal by the need to preserve the national agreements that are crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the country.
The rebel movement formulated a number of objectives for the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGONU). Among these goals, it proposes to maintain “institution of rule of law and preservation of citizens rights” and to put “an end to war, compensation of war victims and initiation of reconstruction of war affected areas.”
Last May the rebel movement raided the Sudanese capital saying there was no end to Darfur conflict unless the central government dominated by the National Congress Party is overthrown.
However the Sudanese political forces condemned JEM attack saying under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Interim National Constitution, the country is going to achieve a smooth political transition for the first time since 1989.
They also condemned JEM for undertaking such attack without taking in account their positions from such move. They further argued that without proposing a national programme for the country JEM couldn’t obtain their support or tolerance.
JEM said in its proposal that all the political parties, trade unions, and civil society organisations should take part in the TGONU which is to be formed for duration of two years. It also affirmed full commitment to the CPA and its implementation.
With regard to the structure of the presidency, JEM propose the appointment of a president with seven vice-presidents to represent the different regions.
This interim government would be charged with the achievement of last peace in Darfur, repatriation of IDPs and refugees to their villages and compensate them. It also has to conduct “reliable census” and to organise the general elections at the end of the two year, JEM said.
The government also has to “implement of the CPA and guarantee its treatment as an agreement between the SPLM and the national government and not between the SPLM and the ruling party.”
According to the provisions of the CPA, the general elections have to be held during the next year 2009 with the organisation of a referendum on the self determination for southern Sudan in 2011.
The as the CPA divides the Sudan to two regions northern and southern Sudan, the President of the republic is flanked by a First Vice-President with veto power and a second vice president.
Some southern Sudanese forces and organisations remain hostile to any change in the current political situation in the country saying the National Congress Party is committed to hold the referendum on self determination, an objective they struggle for before the independence of the Sudan in 1956.
To read the text of four pages proposal please go at http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27960
(ST)