Amnesty for Sudanese rebels in national dialogue

President Omar Al Bashir issued a presidential decree that declares a general amnesty for the leaders and members of the Sudanese armed groups that participate in the national dialogue on Tuesday.

The president also issued another ceasefire decree for two months in the conflict areas in Sudan. He did not mention at what time this ceasefire would come into effect.

It is the second time that Al Bashir has declared a two-month cessation of hostilities in the country. Rebel movements under the banner of the Sudan Revolutionary Front also announced their readiness to sign a six-month ceasefire with the government forces and allied militias. Neither party has thus far suggested when and where to hold their negotiations about the implementation and monitoring of the ceasefire.

The official Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported that the confirmation of the decrees follows a meeting of the dialogue's general assembly on 20 August, where Al Bashir said he is willing to declare amnesty for the armed rebel groups in the dialogue.

Only dissidents of the Justice and Equality Movement under Abdelbagi Hussein have announced their willingness to participate in the national dialogue in Sudan.