Sudanese civil society groups support African efforts for comprehensive solution

November 22, 2014 (ADDIS ABABA) – A number of Sudanese civil society leaders reiterated their support to the African Union efforts to hold a comprehensive process aiming to achieve peace and democratic transformation in Sudan.

A delegation of Sudanese civil society groups headed by the president of the Alliance of Civil Society Organisations, Amin Maki Madani, met in Addis Ababa this week with the African Union’s chief mediator, Thabo Mbeki, and the UN special envoy for Sudan, Haile Menkerios, on the sidelines of the peace talks between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N.

The meetings focused on the “unprecedented importance” of the African Union Peace and Security Council decision 456 which adopted “a comprehensive approach for a lasting solution to Sudan’s deep and diverse problems”, said a statement released on Saturday.

The delegation also said that a comprehensive cessation of hostilities in the war areas would allow to reach the affected civilians and stop human rights violations in these areas.

The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) adjourned this week talks between the government and the SPLM-N rebel over a cessation of hostilities in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. The mediation said it was important to include more elements in the draft framework agreement endorsed by the two parties.

Talks between the government and rebel groups the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and Sudan Liberation Movement-Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) will start in Addis Ababa on Sunday. They parties have to reach framework agreement on a truce and the humanitarian access in Darfur.

In accordance with the African peace plan, after the end of the two tracks, an all parties conference should be held at the AU headquarters to agree on a framework agreement for the national dialogue before to travel to Khartoum to engage in the internal process.

Madani praised decision 456, saying the organisation of this inclusive meeting outside Sudan provides the elements of confidence, independence and guarantees and creates the framework of a comprehensive process for peace and democratic reforms.

The delegation also called to include the civil society groups in the process saying they have the needed expertise for issues related to the human rights and public freedoms.

(ST)