German academic delegation, Sudanese officials discuss holding workshop on constitutional law
September 9, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – A German academic delegation on Wednesday discussed with Sudanese officials holding a capacity building workshop on constitutional law for the Sudanese parties to raise their knowledge and awareness about constitutional reforms.
Sudanese presidential assistant Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid and the head of political sector of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) Mustafa Osman Ismail met a visiting delegation from the German Max Planck Foundation to discuss the organisation of a new constitutional workshop involving the different political and social forces in the country.
Earlier this year, the Max Planck Foundation held its 2nd workshop on 2 February 2015 within its larger project “Constitutional Support in Sudan: Trust Building Measures” . The workshop was attended by 30 Sudanese representatives of the various political parties and stakeholders in Khartoum. Its purpose was to give the participants a general idea on the content of a constitution.
Following a meeting with the presidential aide, Osman told reporters that the meeting discussed what Germany can provide in support of the national dialogue process which should be held inside the country next October.
The meeting discussed “what Germany can contribute to support the national dialogue particularly in the field of training, capacity and confidence-building between the various parties, which will participate in the comprehensive national dialogue process”.
He further said that Hamid who is also the NCP deputy chairman briefed the visiting academic delegation about the NCP’s vision on the national dialogue, pointing that it would be transparent and inclusive, without excluding anyone.”
He further said the dialogue would be an inter-Sudanese process, where all the Sudanese will be given an opportunity to participate and give their views.
In a statement on its website the foundation says these workshops aims to ” imbed a spirit of communication, trust and commitment among the participants (from different and social groups) towards a peaceful constitutional process”.
The NCP and the national dialogue committee reject a decision by the African Union Peace and Security Council providing to hold a preparatory meeting in Addis Ababa before the internal process with the whole opposition and civil society groups.
However, Khartoum changed its mind saying only ready for discussion with the rebel groups on the ceasefire measures.
Germany is sponsoring the activities of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) chaired by the former South African President Thabo Mbeki.
The panel is tasked with the implementation of the AUPSC roadmap to facilitate the inter-Sudanese political process.
(ST)