Sudan opposition alliance acknowledges inability to bring regime’s downfall
September 12, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The chairman of the National Consensus Forces (NCF), Farouq Abu Essa, has acknowledged that they have failed in their goal to bring about a regime change and admitted that they were in denial over this fact.
According to Al-Qarar daily newspaper, Abu Essa described the opposition alliance as one that contains parties with different approaches, adding that not all of the members are committed to the coalition’s programme.
But the opposition figure said they have no other option but to maintain the NCF despite its ineffectiveness and work on strengthening it.
Abu Essa nonetheless said that the NCF achieved two goals, namely creating a platform for opposition parties and furthering the cause of regime change.
He also called for “purifying” the NCF from those who are hesitant with regard to the goal of regime change and open the door for youth groups.
The NCF chairman also appealed to lawyers and doctors affiliated with the opposition to devote their meetings to the issue of regime change, expressing regret for the neglect of farmers who participated in the establishment of the coalition.
He said that party leaders will hold a meeting soon to come up with a unified vision but gave no details.
The National Umma Party (NUP), which is considered the largest opposition party in Sudan, has maintained a cool position towards the NCF despite being a member.
NCF officials have been publicly and privately criticised the NUP leader al-Sadiq al-Mahdi for what they view as him diverging from the goal of removing the regime dominated by the ruling National Congress Party (NCP).
Al-Mahdi has consistently stated that he wants to reform the regime rather than topple it to prevent the outbreak of a bloody civil war in the country.
He also refused to join the NCF 100-day plan for regime change and instead launched the NUP ‘Liberation Ticket’ to collect over a million signatures calling for democratic transformation.
(ST)