Sudanese security says opposition failed to mobilize masses

May 3, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) said the opposition parties and rebel groups failed to mobilize the streets and stressed it wouldn’t allow the latter to export the armed conflict to the capital, Khartoum.

The Sudanese capital witnessed recently a wave of student protests where two students were killed in Omdurman and El Obied. The bloody incidents came after calls by the opposition groups to overthrow the regime through peaceful means.

NISS deputy director Osama Mukhtar said the security of Khartoum is a “red line”, stressing they would prevent the armed groups from exporting violence to the outskirts of the capital.

Mukhtar , who addressed the graduation ceremony of a new batch of NISS on Tuesday, said the Sudanese people no longer trust the rebel groups and opposition forces, describing the latter as mercenaries and agents of foreign hostile forces.

“The opposition leaders call on the Sudanese people to take to the streets while they are staying at the hotels and resorts and that is why they hasn’t and won’t respond to their calls,” he said

On Sunday, the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) also accused the armed and political opposition groups of bringing violence from the peripheral conflict areas to the Sudanese universities, particularly in Khartoum.

Mukhtar pointed that the government has opened the doors for the national dialogue and welcomed the opposition work within the legal institutions, saying those who opt for illegal work would pay a heavy price.

he added they wouldn’t allow the country to plunge into chaos and unrest, pointing to the example of important nations in the region.

The security official further pointed to the military victories in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile, saying the rebellion would soon be crushed and the regular forces will establish security across the country.

The Sudanese army and its allied militias have been fighting a group of armed movements in Darfur since 2003.

Also, the border states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile state have been the scene of a violent conflict since 2011 when fighting broke out between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) and Sudanese army.

(ST)