SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources - Peace conference: Rebels and Sudan govt to discuss secular state issue

30/10/2020: Multiple sources - Peace conference: Rebels and Sudan govt to discuss secular state issue

Sudan Tribune

Radio Dabanga

 The Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North faction of Abdelaziz al-Hilu (SPLM-N al-Hilu) began the first round of informal discussions on issues including separation of state and religion.

 Sovereign Council member Lt Gen Shamseldin Kabbashi said that the government welcomes the meeting, indicating that this workshop will help to reach consensus on “the contentious issue of the secular state”.

 “We have also raised the need to discuss the issues of self-determination, integration of the rebel fighters into the army, and cessation of hostilities, which were mentioned in the joint statement and not yet agreed upon,”Kabbashi said, stressing the importance of addressing these contentious issues through this workshop or organising more workshops if needed to solve them. Kabbashi concluded that “if consensus is reached on these issues, the Declaration of Principles can be agreed upon and signed in preparation for entering into direct negotiations”.