The Sudanese government and opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-North (SPLM/A-N), led by Abdulaziz Al Hilu, have committed to achieving peace and stability through genuine dialogue and building a democracy based on the rule of law.
Addressing participants during the opening of the talks in Juba yesterday, the head of the Sudan Sovereign Council, General Abdul Fatah Al Burhan, said the transitional government is committed to reaching an agreement with the SPLM-N.
“We came to the negotiation this time around with an open heart and are determined to achieve peace for Sudan. These peace talks complement what has been signed previously. We have signed several agreements with our brothers in the armed groups, and we are still determined to finish this race,” Gen. Al Burhan said.
He said the (Sudanese) transitional government is committed to the Declaration of Principles and will continue to dialogue till consensus is reached. He called for unity among Sudanese to build a new country where rights and freedoms are the basis of citizenship.
“We need to be united as leaders for change. All of our different forces have contributed towards change in different ways. Some worked through arms and some through peaceful protests. That is why we need to work together so we all can feel that we belong to this land,” Gen Burhan said.
“You are a Sudanese citizen and you deserve to enjoy all the rights that every single citizen is enjoying. Being in the East, West, or South, we are all one and no one is better than the other.”
General Abdulaziz Al Hilu, the leader of the SPLM-N, pledged that a peaceful settlement will be reached during this round of talks.
He said he hoped that the dialogue will contribute to building a new Sudan where justice is achieved and a new social contract based on constitutional principles which will achieve democratic transformation.
Al Hilu, however, said he was monitoring with deep concern the continued human rights violations across the country by the Sudanese security apparatus.
“The SPLM-N is monitoring with great concern the continuation of human rights violations without bringing the perpetrators to justice and the persistence of impunity,” he said.
According to Al Hilu, the SPLM-N and its allies will continue to work closely with friendly forces to reach a consensus despite challenges in building a new Sudan.
“A Sudan that respects diversity, pluralism and is based on freedom, justice, and equality,” the General reiterated.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is hosting the talks, called for a new beginning that will help the two nations complement each other.
He said now that Sudan is no longer under sanctions, chances to achieve a lasting peace are favorable.
“If you all agree here in Juba and bring lasting peace in Sudan, there will be no problem,” President Kiir said.
The leaders of the two countries took the occasion to reiterate their call to the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), Abdul Wahid Mohammed Nur, to join the Juba peace talks and bring lasting peace in Sudan.