Khartoum: The Governor of Darfur Region, Minni Arko Minnawi, called for dialogue with Islamists, conditional on their reviewing their experience in governance. He urged for a voluntary unity among Sudanese where all parties can put their visions, concerns, and interests on the table for consensus.
Minnawi stated that the “Salvation” regime fell partially, but political parties refused its complete fall, fearing radical forces might come to power following the December 2018 revolution that overthrew former President Omar al-Bashir.
He pointed out that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) secured funding from certain countries – which he did not name – and thus their participation in the transitional authority that governed the country was approved, until war broke out in mid-April 2023. He questioned, “How do you overthrow a political party – the National Congress – only to bring the RSF militia to power?”
Speaking at a press conference in Port Sudan about the Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue project, Minnawi said that unity should be achieved voluntarily according to a social contract, emphasizing the importance of the Sudanese Armed Forces’ participation in the transition.
He proposed six pillars for dialogue, including involving Islamists, noting that they are Sudanese citizens with civil rights who cannot be isolated or excluded, as doing so would cause continued problems in the country. He added, “This doesn’t mean opening the way for them, but they must provide reviews of their period of governing the country.”
Minnawi highlighted the need for participation from components of the Coordination of Democratic Civilian Forces (Taqaddum), which split into alliances opposing and supporting the formation of a parallel government in RSF-controlled areas. He added, “Taqaddum made a big mistake by riding the RSF horse, but at the same time, they have a presence and space and must hold themselves accountable and join the dialogue to avoid further conflicts.”
He emphasized the necessity of the armed forces’ participation in the transitional period, noting that navigating these periods requires the participation of all Sudanese elements, including military forces, parties, and other civilian forces. He stressed that the armed forces’ participation is important and ensures a stable transition for the country.
Minnawi called for religious tolerance, pointing to the need to discuss issues of religion and state for a stable transition. He said that the roadmap is open to everyone to move forward, emphasizing the need for dialogue with countries that supported the war through diplomatic channels at a later time.
He explained that the roadmap vision is the result of efforts by political forces and is open to everyone to contribute, aiming to achieve a unified vision that realizes consensus among all.
Minnawi added that the document focused on national constants and Sudan’s unity, stating that unity is built on national consensus, and citizens’ rights are based on equal citizenship and equality before the law.
During the press conference, Mubarak Ardol, head of the political bureau of the Democratic Alliance for Justice, said that the project proposed by this document is a dynamic national motive for managing the country, attempting to unite Sudanese. He emphasized the need to make concessions for the country’s interest.
According to Ardol, the roadmap project includes proposals on “how to govern the country, elections, transition, foundation, and discussion among Sudanese,” pointing to the need to reach a consensus on these issues with sufficient agreement among Sudanese to achieve harmony and lead to designing a national project from which documents and laws emerge.
He highlighted the importance of agreeing on basic principles, noting that the roadmap is subject to addition and deletion, and dialogue on topics and issues to set clear lines. Arrangements are underway to hold specialized workshops discussing political and party reform in the country, Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, and issues of constitution, development, reconstruction, identity, and strengthening national unity.
The roadmap stipulates launching a comprehensive national dialogue for all political and societal forces and forming a government of independent national competencies to resume the tasks of the transitional period and help the state overcome the consequences of war.
