Mahdi briefs Arab League on Paris Declaration with Sudan’s rebels

August 14, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The leader of the opposition National Umma Party (NUP) Sadiq al-Mahdi, briefed the Arab League (AL) about a political agreement reached with rebel groups calling for an inclusive peace process and democratic reforms.

After the signing of Paris Declaration with the alliance rebel of Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) on 8 August, al-Mahdi told Sudan Tribune he would carry out a diplomatic campaign to raise regional and international support for the deal.

On Wednesday he met with the Arab League secretary-general Nabil al-Arabi to discuss political developments in Sudan and the role of the regional organisation in the ongoing efforts to bring peace and democracy in the country.

The opposition leaders told reporters following the meeting that it was necessary to brief the Arab League on this political development, looking forward to get its support to reach a negotiated settlement over peaceful alternation of power and put an end to the armed conflicts in Sudan.

He expressed hopes that the Arab League blesses the move and plays a strong role in the regard, especially the African Union and the United Nations undertake important missions in order to bring peace in Sudan.

“We hope that the secretary-general consider this matter, especially that he has great relationships with all (the Arab) governments,” he added.

Following an arrest warrant in March 2009 issued by the International Criminal Court against president Omer al-Bashir, the Arab League initiated the Doha process to end Darfur conflict and decided to financially support the recovery and developments projects in the western Sudanese region.

Reacting to a question about his position from the national dialogue, Mahdi said Paris Declaration is more inclusive because it seeks to include the SRF rebels and other forces that are not part in the ongoing process in Sudan.

He also did not exclude his return to the country despite the arrest of his daughter and deputy Merriam al-Mahdi after her arrival at Khartoum airport.

The return to Sudan “is possible, but we have many tasks abroad, so whenever I finish it I will return,” he said.

The NUP suspended its participation in the national dialogue and demands to include the rebel groups in the process.

(ST)