Umma Party deputy head denied exit from Sudan

Sudanese security officials prevented Mohamed Abdallah El Doma, chairman of the Darfur Bar Association and deputy head of the National Umma Party (NUP) from boarding a flight to Paris via Dubai on Wednesday. El Doma was travelling to the French capital to attend the first face-to-face meeting between NUP leaders and the heads of the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF). The summit aims to unite the opposition forces to bring about political change in Sudan. Speaking to Radio Dabanga on Wednesday afternoon, a furious El Doma explained that he had already completed all the required passport formalities. “I was about to board my flight, when agents of National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) approached, informing me that I would not be allowed to leave Sudan ‘for security reasons’. “This move is completely illegal,” he said. “It is a violation of the Constitution, as well as a violation of my personal right to travel freely. It flies in the face of all the promises Al Bashir is making.” File Photo: Mohamed Abdallah El Doma, chairman of the Darfur Bar Association and deputy head of the National Umma Party (NUP) Related: Sudanese opposition leaders gather for summit in Paris (6 August 2014)Sudan’s rebels to unify opposition forces (28 July 2014)