The Secretary-General of the Popular Congress Party (PCP), Dr Ali El Haj Mohamed, has stated that Sudan's military establishment has increasingly assumed a political role, taking positions and adopting policies that go beyond its professional responsibilities. In an interview with Radio Dabanga's Sudan Files programme, Dr El Haj Mohamed expressed concern that the war has become part of the approach pursued by groups linked to the dissolved National Congress Party (NCP) and their determination to retain power.
Dr El Haj Mohamed warned that the continuation of the war offers no solution to Sudan's crisis and could lead the country to repeat the experience of South Sudan, with all the consequences that followed. He stressed that he is not calling for a military coup or political change outside established political frameworks. Instead, he called for alternative national voices and perspectives to emerge within the military establishment, challenging the current approach and pushing for an end to the war and a political settlement.
The PCP Sec-Gen emphasised that the difficulties facing international and regional initiatives demonstrate the limitations of relying on external intervention, as international powers remain preoccupied with their own priorities and interests. He called for Sudan's crisis to be brought back within a national framework through an intra-Sudanese dialogue involving political, military, and civilian forces. The aim, he said, should be to reach a settlement that ends the war and restores stability to the country.
Dr El Haj Mohamed referred to previous negotiations, including those concerning South Sudan and the Framework Agreement, saying these experiences underline the importance of domestic understandings and adherence to commitments and agreements. He placed primary responsibility for reaching a political settlement on Sudanese parties, particularly the military forces. This approach, he believes, will help to ensure that any agreement is sustainable and accepted by all parties.
The PCP Sec-Gen also addressed divisions within the Popular Congress Party, stating that the party's constitution remains the principal reference for determining legitimate membership and political positions. He criticised attempts by some groups to disregard this framework and establish separate structures and hold parallel conferences. Dr El Haj Mohamed rejected the notion that any group supporting the continuation of the war can claim affiliation with the Popular Congress Party.
Dr El Haj Mohamed reaffirmed the party's commitment to a ceasefire, the declaration of a truce, and facilitating humanitarian access to people affected by the conflict. He emphasised that the party's stance is focused on finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. This, he believes, is essential for restoring stability and security to the country and ensuring that the needs of affected populations are met.
The interview highlighted the need for a national framework to address Sudan's crisis, with Dr El Haj Mohamed calling for an intra-Sudanese dialogue to find a solution. Key points from the interview include the need for the military to return to its professional remit, the importance of domestic understandings, and the party's commitment to a ceasefire and humanitarian access.
Key points
- Sudan's military has exceeded its remit, taking on a political role.
- The continuation of the war offers no solution to Sudan's crisis.
- Dr El Haj Mohamed calls for an intra-Sudanese dialogue to find a peaceful solution.
