Orbits: Towards National Accord Initiative
By: Muawad Mustafa Rashid
We, the people of Sudan, still hold our breath… indeed, we still hold our hearts in our hands, fearing for this nation. We are living through decisive historical hours, and everything is at a crossroads of tumultuous developments. This nation has had its fill of political saviors and divinely appointed messengers; it has reached its limit with them. It now seeks salvation and a way out of this loss and fragmentation. At the same time, it looks to what are called political activities, hoping that these figures will set aside their differences to save the nation.
Here, I recall the atmosphere of animosity that gripped France at the beginning of World War I between President Poincaré and opposition leader Clemenceau.
Poincaré knew how to transcend personal animosity to preserve the interests of his country, so he summoned Clemenceau to the palace. Some predicted Clemenceau was not expected to respond to him, but he acted responsibly and did not refuse to meet him as people had anticipated. When Clemenceau entered, President Bonaccarat said, “You know that I hate you, but I also know your love for France. Therefore, I ask you for a pledge, which is also a pledge for me, that we freeze our differences until the war ends, as this is the only way to save France.” Clemenceau replied, “You know, Mr. President, the degree of contempt I hold for you. You read my daily articles against you in my newspaper. However, I consider the President’s invitation to any citizen as an order. Now I know what you want, sir.” He then took a sheet of paper from the President’s desk and wrote down the names of his cabinet. He simply said, “This is my government.” The French President signed the decree, and a period of cooperation began abetween the two political enemies for the benefit of France. We are now living through an atmosphere reminiscent of that of France during World War I.
The silent, steadfast majority of this nation hopes that our leaders will rise above petty differences, that the various factions will sit down and set aside their political disagreements to establish a system of governance that fulfills the aspirations and dreams of all for this proud nation.
From this perspective, we call upon all political factions, armed struggle movements, and civil society organizations to rally around a National Accord to be participated by all , as well as the initiative of the University of Khartoum professors and any other initiatives that contribute to Sudan’s emergence from this dark tunnel, to guide the transitional period towards safe shores, fulfilling the aspirations of the Sudanese people who rose up against the totalitarian regime to live under a sustainable democracy through the ballot box.
Let us agree on a National Accord to be starting point for cooperation among all political factions.
All political and military factions must put aside their differences for the sake of the nation and to prevent our country from fragmentation and disintegration.
How to achieve the Agreed-on National Accord
Popular revolutions, uprisings, and revolts played a significant role in developing the concept of the round table as a method for resolving disputes and eradicating the roots of conflicts. These revolutions consistently aspired to popular participation in decision-making and the establishment of more just, stable, and transparent systems of governance. National movements in many countries utilized the round table as a tool for negotiating with colonial powers and determining the future of their nations. The Sudanese achieved their independence in this manner in 1955. In the modern era, round tables have become an important instrument for interfaith and intercultural dialogue, aiming to bridge divides and facilitate understanding and peaceful coexistence among different religions, sects, movements, schools of thought, and orders. Liberation movements in Africa also employed the round table as a mechanism for negotiating with colonial powers, such as at the Berlin Conference, which divided Africa among colonial states. In many Arab countries, round tables were used during periods of democratic transition to negotiate the future of the nation and form transitional governments. Round tables have played a crucial role in resolving internal conflicts in numerous African and Arab countries, including Sudan and Somalia. Therefore, we find that the roundtable is an effective tool for resolving complex crises, as it allows for the exchange of views and ideas among various stakeholders. It is hoped that it will contribute to building trust between conflicting parties, fostering a spirit of consensus, and providing an opportunity for broader participation from all segments of society in decision-making. Through the exchange of ideas and experiences, participants can arrive at innovative solutions to complex problems and entrenched crises. In Sudan, the roundtable is considered a promising solution for ending political conflicts, halting the current war, and reaching a comprehensive settlement.
Recently, we have witnessed numerous proposals and discussions regarding the formation of this roundtable, its objectives, and its participants. It is hoped that it will primarily lead to achieving a national consensus on ending the war and establishing the foundations of a democratic, civilian state. Furthermore, it is hoped that it will lead to a vision for building a sustainable future for Sudan that guarantees justice and equality for all citizens and restores the gains and slogans of the Sudanese revolution. – It is essential to ensure broad, if not comprehensive, participation from political forces, armed movements, civil society, professionals, unions, coordinating bodies, resistance committees, community groups, experts, and academics. However, there will be challenges in accurately identifying participating parties and ensuring fair representation for all components, all of which share in defining the issues on the negotiating table. These issues encompass a wide range of matters, from peace and economic recovery to governance and transitional justice. – The mechanisms of the roundtable should be defined transparently, including its organizational structure, decision-making processes, and funding sources.
A neutral platform, free from accusations and recriminations from either side of the conflict, should be chosen to host the roundtable’s proceedings without interfering in its agenda or controlling its decisions.