Turabi’s party rejects doubts over Sudan dialogue process

July 29, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) of Hassan al-Turabi has rejected criticism casting doubts over the seriousness of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) to hold a national dialogue in the country paving the way for peace and democratic reforms.

On Monday the leader of the opposition National Umma Party (NUP), Sadiq al-Mahdi, repeated his demand to review the political process as his party suspended its participation since last May after his detention. The former prime minister also called to unify the positions of the opposition forces and to include the rebels.

Meanwhile, the Islamist PCP distanced itself from an opposition umbrella gathering its former allies of the left parties and becomes a fervent supporter of the national dialogue. Its enthusiasm triggered criticism as many say the main purpose of this process is to unify the Islamic forces.

Omer who called to move away from accusations of treason and lying said that the dialogue mechanism, consisting of seven representatives from the government and seven from opposition parties and known as (7+7) committee, “is close to reach a roadmap to address the country’s current crisis”.

He added that the dialogue process aims at addressing the political crisis in Sudan since the independence in 1956, adding that challenges Sudan is facing need to unify all the political forces.

“The leadership of the National Congress Party has a will and strong desire to achieve a real change during the next phase,” said the PCP political secretary, Kamal Omer, in statements on Tuesday.

On 25 July, presidential assistant Ibrahim Ghandour said that the dialogue parties agreed on the major points of the framework agreement and agreed to finalise the process in frametime between one to three months.

The 7+7 body is to meet soon to complete the roadmap agreement, as the PCP and the Reform Now Movement demand to postpone the general elections and to form a national unity government.

The Unionist Democratic Party (DUP) of Mohamed Osman al-Mirghani which participates in the NCP-led federal government called on Tuesday to postpone the general elections

DUP leadership member, Bagir Ahmed Abdallah, stressed the support of his party to the national dialogue process saying it should lead to national reconciliation.

He pointed out that any attempt to hold the general elections before the conclusion of the national dialogue will not successful and called to focus on the issue of reconciliation stressing it represents a broad base for elections.

(ST)