Rédaction Africa Links 24 with SudanTribune
Published on 2024-04-05 01:09:47
On April 4, 2024, Al-Wathiq Al-Berair, the Secretary-General of the National Umma Party (NUP), made strong statements condemning the charges brought by the Public Prosecution against leaders of the Civil Democratic Forces Coordination, also known as “Tagadum.” He accused Islamists of using the legal system to hinder efforts to end the ongoing war in Sudan. The Public Prosecution filed charges against former Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, who heads Taqadum, as well as 17 others including Al Berair, accusing them of undermining the constitutional system, inciting war against the state, and potentially facing capital offences. A subsequent list included figures from the Arab Socialist Baath Party, media personalities associated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and more Tagadum leaders.
Al-Berair criticized the hypocrisy of the prosecution, stating that those who orchestrated the October 2021 coup and dismantled the constitutional document lacked legitimacy and should be the ones facing charges, not those working towards peace. He condemned the army for using the judiciary as a weapon against political parties and civilian forces, seeing the charges as an attempt to silence Tagadum’s efforts towards a peaceful resolution through negotiation. He pointed out that similar tactics had been used before to sabotage peace talks, with the Islamists behind the ongoing war being the masterminds.
The NUP Secretary-General highlighted the prosecution’s focus on peaceful actors while overlooking fugitives from the previous al-Bashir regime wanted by the International Criminal Court. Despite the charges, Al-Berair declared that Tagadum remained committed to ending the war and restoring democratic rule in Sudan. He emphasized that the conflict on April 15th must be the last for Sudan, and the military rule that has caused ruin must come to an end.
Al-Berair explained Tagadum’s actions in reaching out to Army and RSF commanders to initiate peace talks, noting a positive response from the RSF commander that led to a signed political declaration in Addis Ababa outlining steps towards peace, including prisoner releases. However, he expressed disappointment that the army commander did not follow through with setting a meeting time or location despite initial approval.
In conclusion, Al-Berair reiterated Tagadum’s willingness to meet the army chief anywhere to prevent Sudan from descending into civil war. The statement made by the NUP Secretary-General serves as a strong condemnation of the charges brought by the Public Prosecution and highlights the commitment of Tagadum to work towards peace and democratic governance in Sudan despite the obstacles they face.
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