SPLM-N calls on Turabi to advise Khartoum to accept genuine dialogue in Sudan
October 7, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement- North (SPLM-N) called on the opposition Islamist leader Hassan al-Turabi to advise the regime to accept a comprehensive and inclusive settlement ending war and achieving democratic
The three-month process will be launched in Khartoum on Saturday 10 October with the participation of the African Union, Arab league and some foreign dignitaries like the Chadian president Idriss Deby.
In a statement released on Wednesday, SPLM-N secretary-general Yasir Arman said Saturday’s meeting will bring nothing new and will not affect the realities outside the meeting room where war, displaced people and tough economic crisis hit the country.
Addressing his speech to PCP leader Hassan al-Turabi, Arman reminded him that he will be the most experienced among the attendees and pointed to his historical responsibility saying he was the only leader who led the Islamists towards the coup of 1989 that brought Bashir to power.
“Now the situation has changed, you’re no longer their only leader but your role remains important in contributing to guide them (the other leaders) towards a settlement and reconciliation with the victims of war, massive violations of human rights, and unfair dismissal (….), and with (political) parties and civil society groups that you overthrew”.
“You should not miss this rare opportunity and noble mission,” Arman stressed.
PCP officials and others participants say the conference will give them the legal framework to accept and demand the government to implement the confidence building measures. So, they are hopeful this meeting will pave the way for the holdout groups to join it.
International envoys seek to convince the government to make concessions to the SPLM-N and other opposition groups. Also, Washington since long time pledges to review the sanctions if an agreement is reached to end the armed conflicts in the country.
The PCP supports an inclusive and comprehensive national conference to discuss a negotiated settlement ending war and to adopt the principles for a new permanent constitution. But, it remains strongly opposed to any foreign involvement in Sudan’s internal issues.
However, the Islamist party now believes that a negotiated settlement will pave the way for the reunification of the divided Islamist groups including elements that joined the insurgency in Darfur.
Arman also renewed his call on President Omer al-Bashir to accept the African Union plan including the need to end war, open humanitarian access and ensuring freedoms in the country.
He said a genuine and inclusive dialogue will allow to reach peace and agree on issues related to democracy and citizenship but also to reach a compromise over “the pursuits by international community”.
“This is the road for a political settlement and there is no other way,” he said.
The Sudanese government so far has refused to make any concession to the opposition and rebel groups saying freedoms are respected in the country and a ceasefire will be implemented if the armed groups join the process. Also it says their leaders will be pardoned.
(ST)