Opposition figure claims he was blocked from addressing university forum

April 22, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the Reform Now Movement (RNM), Ghazi Salah al-Din al-Attabani, said he was barred on Wednesday from delivering remarks at a forum in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Khartoum.

Al-Attabani said in a statement seen by Sudan Tribune that he received an invitation a while back from the students at the university to address a lecture on civil society.

The opposition figure noted that he agreed on the condition that his attendance would not be of a political nature and that they would seek the necessary clearance from university officials.

His aides were notified two hours before the event that it was cancelled upon “strict and direct” orders from the university security despite the students obtaining prior approval.

Al-Attabani scoffed at the move saying it goes contrary to government claims of allowing public liberties “like never before”.

“Especially since these claims have intensified in the past two days on the heels of the elections which succeeded in nothing other than stripping the government [naked] of any cover,” he said.

“I know where to hold my lectures, but who would protect these small recent freedoms, necessary for building leaders of the future?” he added.

In March, RNM said authorities prevented it from holding an event related to the elections boycott campaign.

The party has been active in the boycott campaign through seminars and questionnaires posted on the internet.

RNM split from the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in late 2013 over calls for reforms, transparency and democratic changes.

It also suspended participation in the government-led national dialogue until the requirements of a conducive environment are met.

(ST)