SPLM-N reiterates call for comprehensive and inclusive solution in Sudan

August 7, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement -North (SPLM-N) reiterated its commitment for a comprehensive and inclusive solution in the country denying reports saying the rebel group accepted to join the internal dialogue process.

It was reported earlier this week, that the SPLM-N accepted to join the national dialogue process launched by President Omer al-Bashir and appointed its representatives at the dialogue’s committees. According to the widely disseminated report, the group just demanded to quash death sentences imposed on its leaders, release of detainees and prisoners, and to stop harassment of its members by security services.

In a statement issued on Thursday following a seven-day meeting held in South Kordofan, the SPLM-N leadership restated its commitment to the agreements and declarations co-signed with its allies of the Sudan Call forces and their demand for comprehensive process to end war and achieve genuine democratic reforms in the country.

”The SPLM-N supports the comprehensive solution and national constitutional dialogue leading to change,” said the statement, stressing ”Our positions are identical with the positions of the Sudan Call forces”.

One week ahead of a consultations meeting organized by the African Union mediation, the group repeated the demand of the Sudan Call forces for a new process including the implementation of confidence building measures and the participation of the international observers.

Following the refusal of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) to take part in a pre-dialogue meeting, the opposition alliance last April called for a new process and denounced Khartoum’s lack of seriousness.

The opposition forces emphasized on the need to implement the roadmap of the African Union Peace and Security Council, starting by a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, release of political detainees and prisoners, and political and press freedoms.

The Sudan Call forces further suggested to strengthen the mandate of the chief mediator, Thabo Mbeki, and to involve IGAD countries including South Sudan, neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Chad, Troïka countries, United Nations, European Union, Germany and France.

On Wednesday the leader of the National Umma Party (NUP) Sadiq al-Mahdi called on the African Union mediator to announce the failure of his mission and to report to the United Nations if the government does not commit itself to the roadmap announced

MUKWAR REPLACES HILU

The SPLM-N leadership meeting which was held from 30 July to 5 August decided to appoint General Gagod Mukwa as chief of general staff of the SPLA-N and commander of the First Front (South Kordofan), replacing Abdel Aziz al-Hilu who is appointed SPLA-N deputy commander in chief.

The meeting also decided to form a new SPLA-N general staff within the framework of preparations for next summer operations, as it was stated.

The statement also disclosed that the SPLM-N leadership Council will hold a meeting next September, adding that several recommendations have been taken for a change in the Movement structure.

(ST)