ADDIS ABABA – The Commission of the African Union (AU) has urged the Government of Sudan to partner stakeholders towards a successful political reform for a stable government.
This is contained in a statement issued by the AU Commission’s Chairperson, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Zuma reacted to the release of the former Sudan leader, Sadiq Al-Mahdi, who was arrested on May 17, following an alleged offensive remark on the Omar Al-Bashir administration.
Zuma, who welcomed the former leader’s release, appealed to the Sudanese government and all stakeholders to desist from actions that would threaten the proposed National Dialogue.
She urged stakeholders to recommit themselves to a transparent and holistic process that would ensure the country’s stability and development.
The former Prime Minister of the Sudan and President of the National UMMA Party, Imam Sadiq Al-Mahdi, was released on June 15.
Al Mahdi was arrested on May 17, following his public statements on the role of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Darfur region.
“The Chairperson of the Commission, however, reiterated AU’s commitment, through the Thabo Mbeki-led AU High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to assist the government.
“Also to assist people of Sudan in efforts to address the challenges facing their country through dialogue,” the statement said.
Zuma, who commended the government for the release, said the action would allow the opposition contribute to the proposed National Dialogue Initiative announced by President Omar Al Bashir in January.
The Commission’s Chairperson reiterated AU’s support to the initiative and appealed to the government to protect the rights and freedom of citizens. (NAN)
