Sudan President Omar al-Bashir, speaking on the eve of the country’s independence celebrations Wednesday, confirmed that national elections will take place this year.

Al-Bashir called on other political actors and armed forces to join the national dialogue and vowed, “not to allow anyone to disrupt the dialogue and peace process.” He also promised not to allow any threats to national sovereignty, security or stability in Sudan.

Independence, he said, was achieved through the will of the people and urged the country to continue to focus on nation-building in the new year.