SPLM-N aims for two tracks in negotiations with Sudan

The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North is committed to a comprehensive solution through “one negotiation process with two tracks” for the peace negotiations that are scheduled in Addis Ababa on 2 November. The government adheres to restricting the negotiation round to the issues in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

The Secretary-General of the SPLM-N, Yasir Arman, told Radio Dabanga that their delegation has not received an invitation so far. He said that there is discussion about their priorities, on whether to start with a preparatory National Dialogue meeting, or a meeting on a cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

“In any case, 2 November was identified as the day to start negotiations. We will go to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, where we will demand a comprehensive solution until it has become a major issue in the Sudanese, regional, and international agendas,” Arman said.

The delegation of the SPLM-N plans to also discuss the cessation of hostilities in order to allow access for humanitarian aid in the conflict regions of Sudan. “The issue of the delivery of aid will be presented as a top priority,” Arman said for the movement.

The umbrella Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) has declared a six-month unilateral cessation of hostilities in Darfur and the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The US State Department urged the Sudanese government to meet the rebel movements with its own unilateral cessation of hostilities on Tuesday.

Last December, the AUHIP suspended a renewed round of peace talks between the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) for an indefinite period of time.

The Sudanese government confirmed receiving an invitation from the African mediator, the AU High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) under the leadership of Thabo Mbeki on Tuesday. The government said it will resume negotiations on the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

Amin Hassan Omar, a senior leader of the ruling National Congress Party, said that the next round of negotiations with the SPLM-N will be restricted to the issue of the two regions, and not be related to the National Dialogue.

Members of the National Dialogue's '7+7' Steering Committee, however, have expressed their willingness to meet the rebel movements abroad for a meeting about how to arrange for their participation in the process. Most opposition forces were absent during the first conference of the National Dialogue, that started on 10 October.