Sudan’s dialogue body names five conciliators for the process

December 26, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s national dialogue committee known as 7+7 has named five conciliators for the government-led national dialogue process.

The figures included Field Marshal Abdel-Rahman Siwar al-Dahab, former judge Dafa’alla al-Hag Youssef, former finance minister Ibrahim Moniem Mansur and university professor Kamal Shadad.

Sudan Tribune recalls that Siwar al-Dahab headed the transitional government following April 1985 uprising which toppled the regime of the former president Ja’afar al-Nimeiri. He also chaired the Islamic Call Organization for several years.

Youssef, on the other hand, was the Chief Justice and minister of education during the rule of al-Nimeiri.

Mansur, who descends from a family famous for its role in the traditional administration in Sudan’s Kordofan region, was the finance minister during Nimeiri’s rule.

Shadad had chaired Sudan’s Football Association (SFA) for several terms.

Meanwhile, Bishara Guma’a Arour, member of the 7+7 committee told the government-sponsored Sudan Media Center (SMC) website that nonpartisan experts will chair the six sub-committees of the national dialogue.

He noted that the national dialogue’s general secretariat is comprised of 18 members including experts, diplomats and civil society leaders, stressing the dialogue will commence with those who attend it.

Fadl al-Sid Shuaib, also member of the 7+7 committee, for his part, said the committee will submit a comprehensive report to president Omer Hassan al-Bashir on the proceedings of the national dialogue.

He said the committee will name 50 national figures to participate in the dialogue, adding that the deputy heads of the six subcommittees will be selected from the political parties participating in the dialogue.

Last January, Bashir launched a call for a national dialogue to discuss peace and democratic reforms in the country. However, he refused the opposition and rebel demands for a conducive environment and transitional government.

Last week, he renewed his call to the opposition parties to take part in the national conference.

“We will continue this dialogue with those who attend it and those who refuse will waste time,” he said.

(ST)