SLM-AW recognizes Hamdok as former PM, not Tagaddum leader:  Spokesman

May 19, 2024 (NAIROBI) – The Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Abdel Wahid Nur ((SLM-AW), clarified Sunday that their signing of the Nairobi Declaration was done in recognition of Abdalla Hamdok’s role as former Prime Minister, not as the leader of the Tagaddum coalition.

SLM-AW spokesperson Mohamed Abdel Rahman al-Nayer told Sudan Tribune that while the movement signed the declaration, it was with Hamdok in his personal capacity as former Prime Minister, not as chairman of the Tagaddum coalition. This distinction is due to SLM’s rejection of all prior political alliances.

Al-Nayer emphasized that the Movement remains open to collaborating with individual forces within the Democratic Civil Forces coalition but opposes the Tagaddum coalition itself, viewing it as another elitist alliance formed by a small group seeking to co-opt others. The SLM advocates for a broad national front built on genuine partnership to end the war and initiate a comprehensive Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue.

The Movement recently met with Jaafar al-Mirghani,  as the Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Unionist Party, not as Chairman of the FFC Democratic Bloc, and Fadlallah Burma Nasser, as chairman of the National Umma Party, not as Tagaddum representative. Al-Nayer stressed that all these meetings demonstrate the SLM’s commitment to building alliances from the ground up.

SPLM-N leader Abdel Aziz al-Hilu signed a separate but identical copy of the declaration signed by Nur. Hamdok also signed the declaration in his capacity as Chairman of Tagaddum.

The Nairobi Declaration, sponsored by Kenyan President William Ruto, emphasizes the Sudanese people’s right to self-determination if the principles outlined in the declaration are not included in the permanent constitution. It calls for a foundational process based on the unity of Sudan in terms of its people, land, sovereignty, and resources, while ensuring this unity is voluntary. The declaration also advocates for a secular, civil state with equal power and wealth sharing for all Sudanese, and freedom of religion and thought.

The SLM, which controls significant parts of the Jebel Marra region in Darfur, has not signed any peace agreement. The movement has capitalized on the security vacuum created by the ongoing conflict between the army and Rapid Support Forces, expanding its control in Darfur and seizing military garrisons.

(ST)