Sudanese Dialogue Committee: Consensus Cannot Be Achieved Through Exclusion or an Imposed Dialogue

 

The Preparatory Committee for the Sudanese-Sudanese Dialogue on Sunday called on the state to provide guarantees for holding an inclusive internal dialogue in Sudan, foremost among them suspending legal proceedings and granting participants temporary immunity. The committee also launched a national initiative aimed at ending the war through a Sudanese consensus.

 

 

 

 

At a press conference in Khartoum, the committee said the initiative is based on national consensus and rejection of dictates or external tutelage, stressing that ending the war and rebuilding the state must be based on national principles agreed upon by Sudanese themselves.

 

 

 

 

The committee explained that its current role focuses on creating a conducive environment, building confidence, and facilitating initial consultations with political, civil and community forces inside and outside Sudan, with the aim of reaching a common vision on the conditions, methodology and guarantees of the dialogue.

 

 

 

 

It stressed that the anticipated dialogue must be Sudanese-led and independent, noting that consensus cannot be achieved through exclusion or by imposing a ready-made dialogue, but rather through listening, consultation and building a minimum level of trust.

 

 

 

The committee called for the suspension of legal complaints filed against any Sudanese abroad because of their participation in consultations or dialogue, and for participants to be granted temporary procedural immunity from the date of their entry into Sudan until their departure. It also called for criminal proceedings not to be initiated over political opinions or conduct expressed during the dialogue. In addition, it urged the creation of an environment conducive to freedoms, protection of consultation venues, and an end to the use of state authority to influence the dialogue’s outcomes.

 

 

 

 

 

The committee addressed the international community, sisterly countries, and regional and international organizations, calling for support for efforts to create a conducive environment and build confidence, while respecting the will of the Sudanese people and refraining from interfering in the dialogue process.

 

 

 

 

It said the initiative comes amid the severe ordeal facing Sudanese as a result of the war, which has caused loss of life, violations of dignity, displacement and asylum, deteriorating services, insecurity and the destruction of infrastructure.

 

 

 

 

 

The committee affirmed that the initiative was launched in response to the voice of the Sudanese people and their aspirations for security, stability and a dignified life. It concluded by calling for the rebuilding of trust and the launch of initial consultations on the conditions for a serious, independent, safe and inclusive dialogue, leading to a stable transitional phase governed by national consensus and followed by free and fair elections.