Head of right-wing group in Sudan softens stance on ‘Four Freedoms’ accord
March 19, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the far-right Just Peace Forum (JPF) in Sudan Al-Tayeb Mustafa toned down his criticism of the government for signing a ‘Four Freedoms’ accord with South Sudan and expressed relief that it is only a framework agreement that will not see the light on the ground without settling other outstanding issues.
The Khartoum government dominated by the National Congress Party (NCP) went on the defensive to justify signing the accord amid fierce criticism particularly from hard-line Islamist groups and figures. Sudanese officials say that the pact is more of a MoU after which a joint committee from the two sides will sit down to iron details.
They also stressed that security arrangements is a pre-requisite to implementing the deal particularly ceasing what Khartoum claims to be continuous support by Juba to rebels fighting in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
Mustafa said in a debate with Said al-Khateeb, a senior member of Sudan’s negotiating team, on Blue Nile TV today that he agrees with ‘Four Freedoms’ in principle but that it cannot be signed with a “hostile” country that still occupies part of Sudan’s territory.
He also claimed that northern Sudanese living in the south are being harassed.
“We do not object to offering four or a hundred freedoms to the South if relations were normal” before adding that the deal is a danger to the security of Sudan.
Al-Khateeb welcomed what he described as a new sensible approach by Mustafa to the accord. He slammed the writings of Mustafa however, saying it is full of “noise and cussing”. He underscored that all outstanding issues with south have to be resolved first before ‘Four Freedoms’ can come into effect.
The Sudanese official went to say that JPF led by Mustafa has an “exterminating” mentality similar to the Sudan people Liberation Movement (SPLM) in the south. Mustafa on his end called on al-Khateeb to resign and allow others to take over.
But al-Khateeb dismissed the call saying that the government formed the negotiating team to represent it and can dissolve it whenever it pleases.
The JPF has been one of the strongest and vocal supporters of Sudan’s separation saying that the unity has caused more harm than good.
Mustafa is president Omer Hassan al-Bashir’s uncle and had one of his sons killed during the North-South civil war in the 90’s as a recruit in the government militias.
(ST)