Hamdok, Hilu, and Al-Nur sign declaration including self-determination clause

May 18, 2024 (NAIROBI) – In a landmark declaration to resolve Sudan’s ongoing conflict, former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, Abdel Aziz al-Hilu of the SPLM-N, and Abdel Wahid Mohamed Nur of the Sudan Liberation Movement committed to a path emphasizing secularism, state-religion separation, and the right to self-determination.

Hamdok signed the declaration in his personal capacity, while al-Hilu and al-Nour represented their respective movements. Although Hamdok also leads the anti-war civilian coalition “Tagaddum,” the coalition did not formally endorse the agreement.

Each leader also signed separate but identical documents with Hamdok. However, the signatories agreed to work together towards addressing Sudan’s multifaceted crises through a comprehensive process based on the unity of its people and land, with voluntary unity as a core principle.

Signed in the presence of Kenyan President William Ruto, the declaration notably includes a provision for the Sudanese people to exercise self-determination if the declaration’s principles are not incorporated into the permanent constitution.

The declaration advocated for a secular, non-partisan state, equidistant from religions, cultures, and identities. It also argued for a civil state ensuring equal power and wealth for all Sudanese, and guaranteeing freedom of religion and thought.

On March 28, 2021, the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and al-Hilu signed an agreement aiming to separate religion from the state and form a single army by the end of the transitional period. However, subsequent negotiations failed to resolve the extent of this separation, and the discussions were suspended after the October 25, 2021, coup.

Both parties agreed to a roundtable discussion involving all national forces aligned with the declaration’s principles.

They called on the army and Rapid Support Forces to enact an immediate ceasefire, paving the way for a permanent cessation of hostilities through sincere cooperation and genuine commitment alongside regional and international efforts, including the Jeddah Platform.

The declaration urged the warring parties to remove obstacles hindering humanitarian aid, ensuring its passage through neighbouring countries and front lines, reaching all citizens unhindered, while safeguarding humanitarian workers.

In remarks delivered after the signing ceremony, Kenya’s President, William Ruto, praised the Nairobi Declaration by Hamdok, Al-Hilu, and Abdel Wahid, emphasizing that Kenya continues to be a key partner in efforts to achieve lasting peace in Sudan.

Ruto underscored the importance of including civil society political parties in the peace process and the formation of a civilian government. He commended the Declaration’s signatories for their commitment to the peace process in Sudan.

“I congratulate organised groups and civil society which have agreed, through The Nairobi Declaration, to be part of Sudan’s Peace Process. A wholistic and comprehensive process is the way to achieve peace”.

(ST)