Hamdok asserts civilian coalition’s non-liability in Sudan’s ongoing conflict
May 30, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – Former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, newly elected head of the Coordinating Council of Civil Democratic Forces (Tagadul), reiterated that the civilian coalition bears no responsibility for the bloodshed in the ongoing conflict since April 15, 2023.
The Coordinating Council, comprised of major political forces opposing the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), concluded its founding conference by electing Hamdok as its leader.
During the conference, attended by around 600 people, participants chanted slogans calling for an end to the war, the return of the military to barracks, the dissolution of the Rapid Support Forces, and a return to civilian democratic rule.
Hamdok, in his closing speech, emphasized that civilians had warned against the conflict, stating, “We warned against it, and we say with full confidence, we are not responsible for any Sudanese bloodshed.”
He reaffirmed the Council’s rejection of the politicization of humanitarian aid and outlined a plan to address Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. He urged the international community and regional powers to support the National Humanitarian Aid Commission that Tagadum established last March.
Hamdok also confirmed the conference’s agreement on key priorities, including stopping the war, preserving Sudan’s unity, creating an inclusive national project, ensuring 40% representation for women and youth, and establishing a federal governance system based on the principles of the December Revolution.
In the same vein, the Tagadum leader confirmed that no one would be excluded from the upcoming roundtable discussions, per the conference’s political vision. This includes the participation of groups advocating for peace.
He added, “We aim to be inclusive and will invite all Sudanese to discuss and elaborate on the agenda and potential topics to bring an end to the war.”
Following his election, Hamdok reached out to Sudanese patriots who oppose the war, even those outside the Tagadum. He emphasized that the coalition’s nature allows for diverse perspectives and united action towards shared goals.
He urged all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities, highlighting that the war only leads to death and destruction. He emphasized that every Sudanese life lost is a loss for the nation, underscoring the urgent need to end the war.
Further, addressing Sudanese in conflict-affected areas, Hamdok stressed the importance of exploring all avenues to end the war. He asserted that he would not be swayed by accusations or provocations and expressed confidence that the war would soon end through collective determination.
He concluded, “We are open to dialogue and collaboration in all forms. We are not biased towards any party and are solely committed to stopping the war. Despite attempts to portray us as partial, this is simply not true.”
The army supporters accuse Tagadum leaders of supporting the RSF paramilitary forces and acting as its political façade.
Hamdok expressed his satisfaction with the conference’s success, stating, “Despite doubts and predictions of failure, our determination and collective will have prevailed.”
The four-day conference saw participation from various political factions, including the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), whose delegation received a warm welcome and observer status for the Popular Congress Party and a faction of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Representatives from diplomatic missions, including those of the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Norway, France, the Netherlands, Japan, the United States, Kenya, and the host country Ethiopia, attended the closing session.
Amar Amun, representing the SPLM-N, highlighted the importance of unity, particularly during the ongoing conflict. He stressed the need for a comprehensive national project to bridge differences. He praised the Tagadum conference as an opportunity to find common ground and stop the year-long fighting.
Amun stressed the importance of a secular state that treats all citizens equally, regardless of religion or language. He described the Tagadum conference as a crucial step towards solidifying democratic principles and achieving democratic transformation.
He reaffirmed the SPLM-N’s commitment to the Nairobi Declaration, which was agreed upon with Tagadum to address Sudan’s challenges.
In his closing session address, Badr al-Din Hamid, Deputy Secretary-General of the Popular Congress Party (PCP), called for an immediate end to the war. In addition, he condemned the violations committed by both warring factions and the suffering inflicted on civilians.
Hamid expressed the PCP’s rejection of arrest warrants issued against Tagadum leaders and the recent amendment to the National Security Law, which expanded the power of security forces.
He announced the Party’s support for the Tagadum leadership body, providing it with proposals and feedback. He urged the coalition to adhere to principles of transparency and accountability.
Foiling attempts to disrupt the conference
On Thursday, Ethiopian security forces detained two Sudanese individuals who attempted to infiltrate and disrupt the closing session of the founding conference for the Coordinating Council of Civil Democratic Forces Tagadum.
Sources informed Sudan Tribune that the Ethiopian Federal Security apprehended two individuals who tried to break into the conference and cause disruption. Both individuals were subsequently transferred to an interrogation unit in Addis Ababa for investigation.
The sources indicated that one of them attempted to force his way in but was successfully stopped by the security team, while the other tried to shout political slogans glorifying the RSF, causing chaos in one corner of the hall, before arresting him.
The sources also mentioned that “Ethiopian security detained other individuals suspected of being affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces who attempted to enter the conference without identification and appeared to be planning something.”