The chairman of the leadership office of Sudan’s National Consensus Forces, Faroug Abu Issa, has said that the opposition coalition would participate in Sudan’s National Dialogue if the process were to be transparent and inclusive.

He said this after meeting with the AUHIP chief mediator Thabo Mbeki on Sunday.

Abu Issa said they had a bad experience with the National Congress Party (NCP) with regards to the implementation of agreements, saying the agreements implemented by the NCP did not exceed 4% so far.

The opposition leader stressed the importance of an inclusive dialogue on issues of the war-torn areas after the government rejected humanitarian access.

He said that the AUHIP resolution number 456 should be the basis of the atmosphere for the national dialogue initiative. Abu Issa further said the dialogue aimed at bringing an end to the one-party system and that it should uphold democratization based on a peaceful transfer of power.

The national consensus leader called for a rule of law and independent judiciary. Abu Issa denied the accusations by the Khartoum government that they are inciting the armed movements to take up arms against the government.

The politician denounced the ongoing war, adding that that they are committed to the dialogue on Thursday.   

Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition Umma Party, Sadiq al-Mahdi has described their meeting with Thabo Mbeki as ‘fruitful’. He said the current conditions are favourable for achieving a just and comprehensive peace and democratic transformation.

Al Mahdi pointed to a lack of confidence between all political actors with the ruling party, but he hinted that it can be overcome if the parties involved agree on a neutral forum for the national dialogue that sets clear objectives that should lead to the formation of a transitional government of national unity.

The Umma party leader further underscored that the main problem is that the government doesn’t recognize the Sudanese Revolutionary Front as a negotiator.

He added that the unified platform will facilitate the endeavors for a comprehensive solution for Sudan crisis. The veteran politician stressed that there are international bodies that are strongly supporting the inclusive dialogue and reject partial solutions.  

Photo Faroug Abu Issa (far right) with other opposition politicians and AUHIP members in Addis Ababa, 30 November 2014