SPLM-N proposes global solidarity conference against Sudanese water dams
April 12, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) has proposed holding a global conference to seek solidarity against the building of water dams in northern Sudan.
The opposition for the projected dams has intensified following the signing last November of the three dams funding agreements between Sudan and Saudi Arabia, during a visit by President Bashir to Riyadh.
In a press release extended to Sudan Tribune Tuesday, SPLM-N secretary general Yasir Arman urged Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States to stop the funding for the dams, describing the projects as “hostile to the Sudanese people”.
“It is a comprehensive national battle over the past and future of the Sudan and the regime issued a death sentence against Sudan’s past and hence its future. This is a new form of cultural genocide against the entire human civilization,” he said.
Arman added that the SPLM-N has participated in the “dams’ battle” over the past years and is now ready to share efforts with everyone to hold a global conference abroad.
He saw that the conference could include Sudanese and foreign archaeologists interested in the ancient Sudanese civilization besides local and international civil society and rights organizations to seek support for resisting the building of the dams.
Last February, police dispersed protesters who have gathered from various areas in northern Sudan and Khartoum to demonstrate in front of Al-Salam Rotana Hotel where Sudanese and Saudi officials and investors were holding a forum in the presence of President Omer al-Bashir to discuss the funding of the disputed dams.
Four persons from Kajbar area were killed during protests against the construction of the dam in 2007.
In April 2006 three demonstrators were killed in Amri area during protests against the Meroe project.
(ST)