RNP, SCP call for comprehensive conference of Sudanese opposition

August 23, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan Communist Party (SCP) and Reform Now Party (RNP) have issued a joint statement emphasising the need for a comprehensive dialogue that includes all parties in order to resolve the country’s crises.

At a joint meeting on Saturday, the two sides agreed that there is a “historic opportunity” for consensus that could emerge from a national dialogue.

The parties however warned that in order to secure a successful dialogue, the government must endorse political liberties, end the wars, lift restrictive laws and release political detainees.

They also concurred that dialogue should not seek to come up with a power sharing formula or bilateral solutions but to resolve Sudan’s problems.

Furthermore, opposition parties should hold a conference to establish the groundwork for transition and future of governance of Sudan.

The SCP and RNP also called for releasing the National Umma Party (NUP) deputy chairman Mariam al-Mahdi and head of the Sudanese Congress Party Ibrahim al-Sheikh.

Last January, Bashir called on political parties and rebel groups to engage in a national dialogue to discuss ways to bring peace in the country and to discuss constitutional reforms.

The opposition alliance of the National Consensus Forces (NCF), including the SCP, boycotted the political roundtable, asking the government first to stop war and create a conducive environment for the dialogue.

The NUP suspended its participation in this political process after his detention last May and maintained its opposition even after his subsequent release.

The RNP returned to the dialogue after suspending participation in light of what it described as government crackdown on freedoms.

(ST)