Hamdok, Hilu, and Al-Nur sign declaration

[John Ashworth]

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

Sudan Tribune

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”.

https://sudantribune.com/article285765/

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