Sudan’s NCP condemns harassment of unity rally by secession supporters
October 10, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — The National Congress Party Sunday condemned the harassment by a pro-separation group during a rally organized yesterday in support of Sudan’s unity, yesterday.
The 30 to 40 southerners held placards supporting southern Sudan independence and shouted slogans calling for secession. Seen as troublemakers they were asked to leave by the members of the rally and clashed with the riot police.
Ibrahim Ghandour, NCP political secretary described the incident as an attempt to obstruct the rally saying “it confirms that some of those with whom we are dealing know very well that the mood of southern citizen with the unity, he said.
“This is why they try to intimidate them to relinquish their option for unity”.
The NCP official, who made his remarks after a meeting for the political sector of the party, said yesterday rally confirms that southerners are absolutely supportive to the unity if they have freedom of choice.
Sudanese police arrested the pro-separation protesters but they were released later during the night after the intervention of the SPLM federal state minister for justice.
The move highlights tension between the two partners of the 2005 peace agreement, as they disagree on different issues related to the referendum process while it should take place in less than three months.
Speaking before the Agro-Arab summit in Libya yesterday, Sudanese president vigorously criticized his first deputy and southern Sudan government president, Salva Kiir, for his support to the independence of the semi-autonomous region considering it as breach of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
The two parties also are holding talks brokered by the UN envoy to Sudan in Addis Ababa over how can participate in Abyei referendum, as the body supposed to organize the vote is not yet formed.
(ST)