Sudan Call forces say ready to discuss national dialogue procedures
February 28, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Political and armed opposition forces signatory of the Sudan Call reiterated their strong belief in the peaceful settlement of Sudan’s conflicts and said ready to discuss the requirements and procedures of the national dialogue with the ruling National Congress Party.
The National Consensus Forces (NCF), rebel alliance of the Sudanese Revolutionary Forces (SRF), and National Umma Party (DUP) issued from Berlin, Germany, a position paper on the preparatory meeting which should be organised by the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP).
The position paper called “Berlin Declaration” is signed by the DUP leader Sadiq al-Mahdi, SRF chairman Malik Agar, the secretary general of the Sudanese Communist Party who represents NCF groups, Mohamed Mukhtar el-Khatib and civil society groups representative Babikir Ahmed el-Hassan.
The Sudan Call forces chose the SRF and NUP to represent them at the preparatory meeting which will be held at the headquarters of the African Union in line with the a roadmap endorsed by the regional body.
But the Sudan Call forces stipulated that the release of the detained political leader is a sinequanone condition.
“It would be difficult to envisage the participation of the Sudan Call Forces in the preparatory meeting without releasing its leaders who are currently detained by the Sudanese government namely Farouk Abu Issa, Dr Amin Mekki (Mandani) and Farah Alagar,” provided the declaration.
Analysts in Khartoum noted that the NCF groups which reject to participate in the dialogue process made some concessions by accepting to idea of the preparatory meeting.
In line with the AU decision 456, the declaration stressed that before the internal process the Sudanese government has to carry out confidence building measures necessary for a successful dialogue process, including postponement of the elections, “in particular the presidential election”, investigation on the alleged mass rape in Tabit and killing of civilians during peaceful anti austerity protest in September 2013.
Also opposition forces said the preparatory meeting should prioritise discussions on ways to address the humanitarian crises, stop war and “establishing procedures for the commencement of the national constitutional dialogue”.
According to the initial roadmap the warring parties in Darfur region, Blue Nile and South Kordofan had to reach framework agreements including cessation of hostilities and security arrangements but the AUHIP mediators failed to achieve this goal due to difference between the government and the SPLM-N over the dialogue national.
German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday welcomed the “willingness” of the opposition to find a solution to Sudan’s problems through the dialogue process.
“I” am glad about the successful outcome of the discussions held here in Berlin. The Berlin Declaration is an important step towards reconciliation in Sudan. There is greater hope now that the Government in Khartoum and the opposition will take up serious negotiations,” Steinmeier said.
(ST)