Founding Platform Slaps Hemedti’s Bloc
A delegation from the Coordination Committee for Returning to the Founding Platform, led by Engineer Mohamed Wida’a and Mutawakkil Ishag, met with the Quintet Mechanism in Cairo. The meeting was attended by the head of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, and representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, the European Union, and the Arab League. The meeting addressed the Panel’s inquiries regarding the design of the dialogue process, the agenda, the principles of inclusivity and participation, and the timeline, in addition to the Panel’s role in facilitating the dialogue.
In statements following the meeting, Engineer Mohamed Wida’a explained that the delegation presented clear observations regarding the confusion and overlaps in the guiding questions and the draft submitted by the Quintet. He emphasized their categorical rejection of including the “Founding Platform” bloc, led by Hemedti, considering it “a rebellion against the state and the Sudanese people,” and that any talk of its participation “completely undermines the purpose of the national dialogue.” He also noted the Coordination Committee’s rejection of the five-party mechanism’s reliance on the Quartet’s declaration issued on September 12, 2015, which includes the UAE, considering it “a hostile party to Sudan that is leading the war and arming militias,” and therefore cannot be a mediator in the peace process.
Wida’a stressed that the place for armed groups is at the ceasefire negotiating table, while the political file should be left to the politicians. He affirmed the delegation’s commitment to holding the dialogue within Sudan, with a secure environment and guarantees for the safety of the participants. He also clarified that the five-party mechanism’s role should be limited to neutral facilitation, and proposed forming a preparatory committee to determine the agenda, participation criteria, decision-making mechanism, and the announcement and implementation of results.
Wida’a concluded by emphasizing that serious political dialogue cannot begin until a ceasefire is in place, with the necessity of integrating all armed groups into the Sudanese Armed Forces, with the exception of Rapid Support Forces elements, as a prelude to a new transitional period.