Rédaction Africa Links 24 with SudanTribune
Published on 2024-03-01 22:25:32
The Coordinator of Civilian Democratic Forces (Tagadum) has emphasized the importance of real civilian involvement in negotiations between Sudan’s conflicting parties, the military, and the Rapid Support Forces. Al-Wathiq El-Berair, the Secretary-General of the National Umma Party, shared his optimism about potentially forming a united front with the Democratic Bloc to steer the country towards a better future.
In an interview with “Sudan Tribune,” El-Berair discussed Tagadum’s ongoing efforts to bridge the divide between the military and the RSF. Their primary goal is to establish a ceasefire, restore the democratic transition, and reconstruct areas devastated by war. He highlighted their interactions with both sides to achieve these objectives.
Following a meeting in January with RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemetti”) in Addis Ababa, Tagadum signed a declaration of principles to end the conflict. They are now striving to replicate this success with the military leadership. El-Berair stressed Tagadum’s holistic vision for peace, focusing on ending hostilities, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and collaborating with all democratic forces, including rebel groups led by Abdel Wahid Nur and Abdel Aziz Al-Hilu.
The founding conference of Tagadum has been postponed to facilitate broader participation from democratic forces. El-Berair assured that even those who do not participate will be consulted on national priorities and future political processes, with the exception of the banned National Congress Party and the Islamic Movement. He underscored Tagadum’s dedication to inclusivity, highlighting the coalition’s diverse composition and refuting claims of monopolization.
Preparations for the founding conference are in progress, with various workshops organized to develop a shared vision for peace and democratic governance. Tagadum is actively engaging with different segments of Sudanese society to expand its reach and impact.
El-Berair denounced the Islamists and the former National Congress Party for aggravating the conflict and prioritizing their political comeback over the nation’s well-being. Despite concerns about the military’s commitment to peace agreements, he remains hopeful about achieving a peaceful resolution through inclusive negotiations with civilian forces.
Amid criticism, El-Berair defended the efforts of Tagadum leaders abroad in promoting peace, engaging with international actors, and advocating for an end to the war. He acknowledged the challenges of operating domestically due to communication constraints and highlighted the increasing international influence in resolving the conflict.
Addressing accusations of self-promotion and foreign funding, El-Berair reiterated Tagadum’s focus on national interests and the well-being of the Sudanese people. He emphasized the organization’s dedication to ending the war, fostering unity, and ensuring transparency in their endeavors.
In a final statement, El-Berair revealed that over 130 leaders and members of the National Umma Party have been arrested by both warring parties, including state officials, active members, and mosque imams. Despite these challenges, Tagadum continues to advocate for peace, unity, and the return of normalcy for the Sudanese people.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
