Sudan’s DUP makes implicit threat of withdrawal from government unless fuel subsidies reinstated
September 26, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) called on the Sudanese government to annul its decision this week of cutting fuel subsidies to avoid aggravating the economic situation among the people.
In a statement issued by the DUP leadership commission and read by Ali al-Sayed, the party called for reinstating the fuel subsidies calling it unjustified and will serve to exacerbate the suffering of the Sudanese.
The DUP also called on the government to ensure the right of peaceful demonstration and condemned the use of violence and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
The party offered condolences to the those who have fallen in this week’s protests in response to new the economic measures and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The DUP, which sealed a political partnership with the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in December 2011 and was granted several posts in the cabinet, initially announced its support to the economic measures aiming to bridge a widening budget gap.
But later the DUP spokesperson Ibrahim Mirghani released a statement denying the statement by his colleague in support of the subsidies move adding that they handed a written position to the finance minister in this regard.
Bukhari al-Ja’ali, another member of the DUP leadership commission said they will meet again on Sunday to discuss whether to continue their partnership in the government led by the National Congress Party (NCP).
But al-Ja’ali stressed that it is premature to speak of a final decision in this regard before receiving a clear response from the government on their request to cancel the recent fuel price increases.
The DUP official noted that their participation in government is only symbolic without decision making powers. However, he defended their decision to partner with the NCP saying it was made in light of the difficult situation faced by the country.
“We are fully aware that the party is taking part [in government] is symbolic only,” he said.
He emphasized that his party allows its members free debate and expression of opinions but added that the positions of the party are spelled out by the spokesman only and that any dissenting positions by other officials do not necessarily reflect the views of the party.
Al-Ja’ali said that the upcoming meeting will put to rest many questions namely their future in the government.
The DUP chief Mohamed Osman Al-Mirghani abruptly left for London on Tuesday seeking medical treatment, his aides said.
Protests broke out in different parts of the country this week in response to the fuel price increases which led to the worst wave of violence that Sudan has seen in years.
The Sudanese Interior Ministry announced that the protests led to the death of 29 people including policemen. But activists and opposition figures say that the actual number exceeds 100 along with hundreds of injuries and arrests by security officers.
(ST)