Sudan’s opposition should renounce calls to overthrow al-Bashir’s regime by force: al-Mahdi

November 25, 2018 (KHARTOUM) The leader of the National Umma Party (NUP) Sadiq al-Mahdi has set three conditions to coordinate efforts with the opposition including renouncing the call to overthrow the regime by force.

In an interview with the London-based Al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper on Sunday, he said all opposition forces must also give up on calls for self-determination and refrain from seeking Israel’s support.

The veteran leader pointed out that any dialogue with the government on elections or the constitution would be based on the African Roadmap agreement.

Al-Mahdi stressed that he would return to Sudan on 19 December, saying his party seeks to achieve a peaceful solution for the country’s crisis.

After his election as head of the opposition alliance Sudan Call last March, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) filed a case against al-Mahdi accusing him of plotting against the constitution because he is leading armed groups that resort to violence.

However, al Mahdi dismissed the claim saying the Sudan Call is a political alliance formed to reach a negotiated solution with the government, pointing to the Roadmap Agreement signed between the umbrella and the government in March and August 2016.

Earlier this month, Sudan’s state security prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for al-Mahdi, as he is set to return to the country after nine months of self-imposed exile in Egypt and the United Kingdom.

(ST)