DUP figure defends participation in Sudan government as dissent rises

May 27, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – A senior member of the ex-opposition Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has dismissed internal complaints over the party’s participation in the Sudanese government, asserting that they are “happy” to be on board.

The DUP joined the “broad-base” government of President Omer Al-Bashir in December last year despite reports of internal dissent and against the wishes of other opposition parties who remain divided over the best course of action to end the regime’s 22-year rule.

Mohamed Osman Al-Mirghani, leader of the DUP, justified the decision by saying it was “necessary to save the country.” The party was given three portfolios: the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, whereas key ministries remained under the control of Al-Bashir’s National Congress Party (NCP).

DUP’s leading figure and minister of commerce, Osman Omer Al-Sharif, said on Saturday that they are “happy” to be part of the government.

His comments followed weeks in which some party members voiced stronger complaints over the ineffectiveness of participation in the government and the absence of DUP ministers’ influence on decision-making.

But the DUP minister, who was speaking at a seminar organised at the Saloon of the late journalist Said Ahmad Al-Khalifa, denied that their participation is meant to give Al-Bashir’s government a seal of legitimacy.

He further added that decision stemmed from their conviction that Sudan is not the private property of one party.

He acknowledged that the public opinion is against participation but pointed out that it was necessary to protect the country from “foreign targeting”.

(ST)