The forthcoming intra-Sudanese dialogue proposed by the trilateral mechanism is expected to be comprehensively Sudanese-Sudanese inclusive of all political parties, organisations, and institutions. Non-participation will blaze into worse manner if certain groups are excluded or voluntarily boycotted the venue. It is paramount to oppose preconditions to exclude political powers from participation in the dialogue. Inconsiderate tactics of expropriation, grandstanding and clandestine manipulations under the tables to score political points are improper and contentious. Participants are advised to focus on the impending direct talks that are extremely critical in the dire political circumstances facing the country to expedite an end to the people’s sufferings.
It is difficult for anyone concerned with the stability of Sudan to refute the above statements to resolve the stalemate through dialogue and sincerity. I would like to share some thoughts that are hopefully helpful.
The interim period is to expire in just over a year where the people of Sudan exercise their rights to vote in free and fair elections to choose their representatives in a government of their choice. All indicators predict that some of the political bodies are unwilling to accept dialogue and prefer to extend the interim period and postpone the elections. The Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) repeated its refusal to participate in the direct dialogue until the fall of coup’s regime and the achievement of justice. The FFC/Central committee declined to join before lifting the state of emergency, release of all political detainees, end of violence against protesters, and reversal of all decrees by the coup’s leaders of 25th October 2021. The Umma Party affirmed its objection to the venue on the view that the agendas are not clear. The Resistance Committees (RC) insisted to boycott all talks with the military. These positions are undoubtedly going to ditch the political course and the fate of the revolution into ominous dilemmas. Without pursuing dialogue, the country will undoubtedly descend into constitutional vacuum, chaos, or at least continuation of the status quo.
The vitality of bringing the contending parties together irrespective of their political association, ethnic background, or religious affiliation is an aspiration of the 2019’s Revolution farfetched for freedom, peace and equality. For a successful dialogue the parties are urged to approach the venue with clarity of political mind and vision to address the main problems facing the country through collective responsibilities for consensus that circumvent personal and political interests. Political and religious differences should not become impediments to reaching comprehensive national arrangement.
It is obligatory for the adversaries to join in this historical event to determine a peaceful democratic future for the country and genuinely avoid circumstances that are likely to lead to exclusion of others. The public wants to see that the meeting is committed to build the much-needed consensus about the future of Sudan where no one is left behind. Rousing strong national consensus supports the cause of the revolution and shows responsible leadership for sacrifice and compromise.
The destiny of the country belongs to every Sudanese irrespective of colour, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation who acknowledge the principles of peace and democracy. It is in the interest of all to ensure inclusive credible venue that rejects the omission of others including non-corrupt members of the National Congress Party (NCP) who genuinely believe in the cause of the revolution. However, it is important to remain vigilant and guard against enemies and traitors working to infiltrate, curtail, or disrupt the revolution. The FFC rejects the participation of gatherings perceived as facades of the dissolved NCP. Such tactics are unlikely to succeed taking into consideration the past exclusion of the SCP in 1965 that only allowed the party to undergo clandestine policy to come back and instigate the coup of 1969. The participants ought to acknowledge the diverse opinions without disqualification of others from determining the future of the country. Those who deeply doubt such endeavours and question the participation of members whose biographies, previous practices, or contributions in activities contrary to the values of the revolution must appreciate that exclusion, as well, gives momentum to counter-revolutionists and energise their efforts for effective opposition.
It is better to approach the negotiations with seriousness, good intentions, and commitments for peaceful democratic settlement and keenness to compromise for the sake of the country’s survival.
The participants are expected to genuinely and willingly negotiate in essence of partnership to create sustainable and amicable relations for the long-term and support the traditional political parties to thrive, succeed and demonstrate that they can work together for the sake of the people. The venue should not turn into obnoxious competition, political enmity, or opportunism which might derail the process.
In conclusion, as the theme of this meeting is to build consensus endowed with saving the country from descending into an abyss, we hope that some basis of building a consensus brings about respect for each other’s political parties, programs and views without promotion of hatred and animosity. This constitutes maturity that in turn attracts others to respect and compromise to pursue the common goals and national interests of the people. To share and seek dialogue for solutions knowing there are always interests that clash, polarise, or explode is to focus on reshaping of the future by avoiding past mistakes without looking backward to lament.
The role of the Trilateral Committee should be facilitator and preparatory for a venue of evenness.
In support of intra-Sudanese dialogue/ Dr El-tahir El-faki
