Sudanese Dialogue on the Table at the Future Movement Workshop

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon – Talal Ismail

Intense activity by Sudanese political forces is underway in Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea State, to outline the framework for the upcoming Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue and develop visions that lead to resolving existing issues.
Academic experts and political figures participated in a consultative workshop on the Sudanese dialogue organized by the Future Movement for Reform and Development this Monday. They presented their perspectives, and Dr Al-Tijani Sisi, the head of the National Movement Forces, revealed the existence of a trust crisis among political forces. He called for a clear roadmap for the Sudanese dialogue.
Sisi emphasized the necessity of initiating meetings and managing in-depth discussions before entering the dialogue process, as well as agreeing on the committee that will oversee the dialogue.
He stated that regional and international initiatives are obstacles to the Sudanese dialogue, a primary reason for complicating the process and causing confusion among political forces.
He added, “There is a need for a regional umbrella to sponsor and facilitate the Sudanese dialogue, ensuring that the dialogue is driven by Sudanese will.”
He warned of the intense social polarization among social components, especially in light of the widespread violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces militia, which have caused severe tribal and regional grievances. This requires clear solutions and addressing issues of social peace, which, if unresolved, could reignite war.
For his part, Ali Askuri stated that they will not engage in dialogue with the Rapid Support Forces militia because they are not politicians nor do they represent a cause; rather, they are killers and criminals who must be brought to justice.
He continued, “The Juba Agreement is based on privileging Darfur over other regions of Sudan. I believe that the Juba Agreement is what divided the country into five regions, which is a clear act of division. The Juba Agreement was built on a flawed and biased choice.”
Askuri explained that Volker Perthes, the former head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), acted as a de facto governor-general, which was provocative to the Sudanese people and ultimately led to his expulsion.
He added, “The memorandum of understanding signed by Taqaddum with the Rapid Support Forces militia places them in the realm of conspiracy and complicity in the militia’s plans.” He further stated that groups like Somoud and others are merely exchanging roles and that any new proposal must be based on their stance regarding the memorandum of understanding.
He called on all armed movements, popular resistance groups, and armed factions to lay down their weapons and surrender them to the army as a condition for the Sudanese dialogue.
He also demanded an agreement that rebels should not be granted political or governmental positions and that the focus should be on addressing demands.
Askuri urged politicians to engage in domestic dialogue, stating that politicians abroad are more than expansionist colonialists with selfish ambitions, adding, “They will only bring you chaos.”
For his part, the Secretary-General of the Future Movement for Reform and Development, Mohamed, stated that the role of political forces should focus on dialogue and addressing the imbalances hindering the dialogue process.
He emphasised the necessity of a preparatory phase for the dialogue to determine the mechanisms, tools, parties, topics, and methodology of the Sudanese dialogue.
He added, “The first and final preparatory phase related to implementing the outcomes of the national Sudanese dialogue is the most critical point of the dialogue.” He noted that the conditions, exceptions, and guarantees for implementing the dialogue are crucial factors for its success.
The Secretary-General stressed the importance of political forces agreeing on the dialogue process, which requires a conducive environment and favourable factors to ensure its success.
The Secretary of the Future Movement called for establishing safeguards to limit external interference and prevent interventions that could negatively impact the outcomes of the dialogue.

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