Sudan’s DUP leader leaves door open for joining NCP-led government

Corrected version: Al Mirghani also slammed DUP members who seek to join the new NCP’s government

November 7, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Mohamed Osman al-Mirghani on Sunday appeared to leave the door open for joining the upcoming cabinet despite earlier assertions to the contrary.

The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) has been in intensive talks for months with major opposition parties seeking to convince them to join the new government which would be the first after the secession of the south last July.

The National Umma Party (NUP) led by former Prime Minister al-Sadiq al-Mahdi has formally rejected participation and ended bilateral talks with the NCP.

But officials from al-Mirghani’s party on the other hand have given conflicting signs on the DUP stance ranging from total refusal to confirming that they will join once cabinet allocations are agreed on with the NCP.

Addressing supporters following Eid al-Adha prayers over the weekend, al-Mirghani said that the final decision lies with the party’s bases.

The DUP chief said that current issues will be handled with firmness and wisdom away from the frivolity. He added that a specialized committee is reviewing issues concerning participation and will present outcome to the party leadership.

But in remarks he made the same day outside the Khatmiya mosque of Abd al-Aziz Mohamed Hassan, Mirghani accused those seeking to enter the new government of trying to create discord within the DUP.

He also questioned what benefit the DUP would gain from joining a “politicized” cabinet with an approach known to serve certain people.

Several leading figures within the DUP have been pushing for participating in the new government prompting angry response from al-Mirghani and threats of expulsion for them.

Another sticky issue is demand made by president Omer Hassan al-Bashir that the DUP fires Ali Mahmood Hassanein and Al-Tom Hago for supporting a regime change.

The cabinet formation has been delayed several times pending a final position by the DUP. The NCP has voiced frustration with the DUP and threatened to proceed with announcing the new government.

Observers say that despite the NCP achieving a landslide victory in April 2010 elections, it still feels the need for bolstering its legitimacy by having opposition parties entering the cabinet.

(ST)