Opposition’s PCP contacts Sudanese rebels over internal dialogue process

May 31,2015 (KHARTOUM) – The opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) said Sunday they conducted a series of contacts with the rebel groups to join the national dialogue process which would start after the swearing-in ceremony of president Bashir.

Earlier this month Omer, who represents his party in the national dialogue committee told Sudan Tribune that they decided at the level of the dialogue body to meet the rebels to convince them to join the internal political process

Last March, the PCP refused to take part in a preparatory meeting for the national dialogue saying they refuse any external involvement in the process even from the African Union.

The opposition leading member reiterated his party commitment to an internal process, adding that the dialogue is a strategic option for his party and they have no other alternatives.

He scoffed at the opposition call for a new process with an international participation saying the “Sudan Call” has become the “Call of Paris and Cairo”.

“One day they are going to Germany and another day to Egypt while the problem of is inside the country,” he said.

Omer called to include the release of political prisoners and detainees and measures to guaranty the safety of rebel delegations to the internal conference in the presidential speech at the swearing-in ceremony on 2 June.

The African Union roadmap to facilitate the national dialogue process asks the government to implement a number of confidence building measures aiming to create a conducive environment before to start the political operation.

TRIBAL CLASHES

The PCP political secretary further warned against the renewal of tribal clashes in Darfur, pointing that heavy weapons are still in the hands of the different tribes.

Dozens were killed during clashes between Ma’alia and Rezeigat tribes in Abu Karinka area of East Darfur state earlier this May. The central government in Khartoum admitted the failure of traditional reconciliation approach and warned that it would take the necessary legal steps to impose the authority of the state.

Omer said the root causes of the conflict between Ma’alia and Rezeigat have not being addressed, adding what happened between the two tribes is a serious indicator of a crisis that can develop in the absence of decisive treatment.

He pointed to the negligence in the enforcement of law and called to punish the perpetrators and bring them to trial.

He further said that the tribes, now, have sophisticated weapons, stressing that disarmament is the responsibility of the State.

(ST)