El Mahdi: ‘Roots of the war in Darfur must be addressed’

During a public address in Zalingei in Central Darfur President El Sadig El Mahdi of the National Umma Party demanded that the roots of the war in Darfur be addressed, the perpetrators of violence be held accountable and compensation be awarded to the victims.

El Mahdi said that his tours of the states is not a preparation for the elections that will be held in three years, as some claim, but is a show of support to the transitional government.

According to El Mahdi the discussion whether Sudan must be a secular state, or at least South Kordofan as the SPLM-N faction led by El Hilu is demanding, must be addressed during general elections.

He gave the Sudanese Professionals Association, the main driving force behind the last year’s revolution, the choice to transform itself into either a political party or a trade union according to the Union Act.

El Mahdi said that the Gulf states and other countries have conflicting interests in Sudan. He warned that their continued competition could turn Sudan into another Libya or Syria. He pointed out terrorist movements as Al Shabaab in Somalia and Boko Haram in eastern Nigeria pose a threat to Sudan and other countries in the region.

He called for the formation of a unified national army with a national doctrine.

Nyala

During a public speech in Nyala, capital of South Darfur, El Mahdi stated the ousted president Al Bashir must be handed over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He also said all those who used violence or stole money from the Sudanese people must be held accountable.

El Mahdi promised to work for the restoration of full rights for all people, including the displaced and the refugees. He also wishes to reform the economy, disarm tribal militia and achieve full reconciliation between tribes.

He emphasised that everyone who works against a just peace must be classified as a terrorist and saboteur.

Last week, El Mahdi announced he will retire as head of the National Umma Party.