Sudanese authorities block Ba’ath party event
November 19, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has prevented the opposition Arab Baath Socialist Party from organising a symposium planned for Friday in Khartoum, a party official said.
He called that decision a defeat to the national dialogue process launched by president Omer Hassan al-Bashir in January.
“What are the reasons that prevent permitting an opposition party from organizing a mass symposium at a time when the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) is holding public conferences and seminars in public squares,” Ziauddin said.
He warned that his party “will not stand with its hands tied behind its back and will resort to organising symposiums without asking for permission from the authorities”.
The Sudanese presidential assistant Ibrahim Ghandour said in an interview with Sudan Tribune this month that the government has committed itself to creating a political climate for the success of the national dialogue by releasing all political detainees and also issued presidential Decree 158, which allowed political parties to carry out its activities.
“The parties began [holding] seminars and then stopped on their own,” he said, pointing out that in a speech her before the general assembly of the dialogue, Bashir had called on political forces to exercise their activities outside their headquarters in accordance with the provisions of the decree.
Ghandour said he has no knowledge of banning a seminar by the Sudanese Communist Party in the suburb of Ombadda in the twin capital city of Omdurman, adding that it was likely the result of a disagreement about the location.
He disclosed that one of the parties requested permission for holding a seminar in the Market Square which he said is inconsistent even with decree 158, which prohibits such events in markets or near hospitals or schools.
“These parties are looking for a free membership [base] and are trying to make their existence a reality in the market or in the hospital,” Ghandour said.
“Public squares are available for parties to operate … authorities cannot refuse a seminar unless there is a dispute on its location,” he added.
(ST)