Components of the east Sudan have voiced different viewpoints on the workshop organized to outline a road map for political and security stability as well as sustainable development in the region. While many see it as a step in the right direction, others downplay it’s importance.
Khartoum, Altaghyeer: Al-Fadil Ibrahim
The recently organized workshop at the Friendship Hall under the auspices of the Tripartite Mechanism, has received varied assessments.
About 600 participants, representing various stakeholders, attended the workshop.
The Higher Council for the Bija Tribe has boycotted the workshop and, instea, organized its own workshop.
Al-Ameen Shungrai
The well-known Eastern Sudan leader Dr Al-Ameen Shungrai considered the workshop important as an impetus for the coming civilian democratic rule. It will put the east Sudan issue on the right track. All stakeholders had gathered in oneplace to set the basis for an agreed upon solution.
Shungrai said the role of native administration is essential as as it represents the people, particularly from rural areas.
Mohammed Al-Amin Tirik
President of the Higher Council for the Bija Tribe Mohammed Al-Amin Tirik described the workshop as similar to the Juba peace agreement in that it doesn’t tackle the roots of the problem.
He accused the Tripartite Mechanism of selecting specific groups from east Sudan yo attend the workshop “participation should be for the whole components of the east” he said.
Al-Tawasul Political Party
Political Secretary of Al-Tawasul Political Party Salih Ahmed said the workshop has discussed the east Sudan issue in a free atmosphere attributing absence of some of the east components to their rejection of the Framework Agreement.
“I think any one who refused to take part in the workshop, lacked the will to find a solution for the problem” he added.
President of the United Popular Front Hamroor Hussain Hamroor said all stakeholders were present in the workshop and the discussion helped in closing the gaps between them. Women have for the first time reflected their concerns in frank and open manner, he said.
He said those who speak about the failure of the workshop are those who are against the democratic transformation and hope for continuation of the current status quo that serve their vested interest.
Unionist Alliance
Representative of the Unionist Alliance of East Sudan Idris Mohamed said all those related to east Sudan, according to my knowledge, were represented in the workshop.
Continuation of marginalization
Rapporteur of the Higher Council of the Bija Tribe Oubshar Abdallah said solving the east issue requires concrete resolutions, not conferences and workshops.
He accused the government of continuing the process of marginalization.
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