Sudan's Popular Congress agrees to take part in consensus government

Sudan’s opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) has reiterated its interest in joining the proposed government of National Reconciliation but says it is mulling over a number of issues before making a final decision to participate in the new administration.

The official Sudanese news agency (SUNA) reported that Sudanese First Vice President Lt. General Bakri Hassan Salih met the PCP’s newly elected secretary general, Dr. Ali Al-Haj Mohammed, to congratulate him on his victory. Al-Haj told the agency that he also met with the speaker of the National Assembly and two of his deputies but did not discuss the issue of constitutional amendments related to political freedoms.

The opposition leader stressed that his party is keen to ensure that the recommendations of the National Dialogue process results in tangible changes to the quality of life in Sudan with improvements in higher education. He added that the party is also keen to see a secure and stable Sudan.

Haj admitted that there were improved levels of freedom in the country but his party wanted those freedoms to be constitutionally guaranteed. He declared that PCP had abandoned any notion of authoritarian rule; it had renounced war and violence of all forms and on that basis was fully prepared to participate in the new political process. “We will stand by the government as long as they stand up for freedom,” Haj said.

Read: Sudan’s opposition leader vows to contain leadership differences

He also confirmed that Sudan’s unity was a priority for the PCP and that his party has abandoned its call to overthrow the government because there was now a real chance to take advantage of the political opportunities available. He claimed those who call for the fall of the government in essence are advocating the fall of Sudan.