Sudan: The need for political dialogue

 We have been repeating in this space that, there is an urgent need for political dialogue between the government and opposition parties and the rebel movements to identify and redress the existing forms of differences between all parties for the sake of peace and stability of this country, as no country in the world can develop without these two important ingredients.

Ironically, the attack on Kadugli, last Monday, coincided with the start of the Kadugli Consultative Forum on Issues of Peace, in which some 15 political parties, including the ruling National Congress Party, as well as leaders of civil administration and civil society are participating. Some other political parties have refused to participate in the talks, arguing that the forum "does not represent the consensus of the people of the region, particularly as it does not involve the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North sector (SPLM-N)”.

Different levels of government have also made many statements, confirming the allegations of the parties, opposed to the forum, where Al Shoroog TV channel, quoted the chairman of the higher committee of the forum, Hussein Juma, as describing the attack as a desperate attempt to derail the talks.

  

 Meanwhile, the governor of South Kordofan, Ahmed Haroun accused in a press conference, he held later, the SPLM-N of the attack on Kadugli town, pointing out that the attack meant to send a wrong message to say "we are here, and we should be involved in the peace train" referring to the Peace Forum being held in the town.

So, if the government admits the above allegations, why not to bring the SPLM-N to the table for these discussions, as it is a significant force that cannot be ignored since it represents a large number from the people of the state!?

The country is in dire need for all political parties, including the government and opposition as well as the stakeholders in the conflict areas to take forward the political dialogue for the peace and stability of the country and working together for the economic development, progress and betterment of the country.