Tunisian Opposition Parties Call for ‘National Salvation Conference’

Tunisian President Kais Saied speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia. Reuters file photo
Tunisian President Kais Saied speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia. Reuters file photo
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Tunisian Opposition Parties Call for ‘National Salvation Conference’

Tunisian President Kais Saied speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia. Reuters file photo
Tunisian President Kais Saied speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at the Assembly of People's Representatives in Tunis, Tunisia. Reuters file photo

A number of Tunisian opposition parties have called for a "national salvation conference" to unite efforts in confronting the country’s economic and social crises.

They said the conference should be organized by President Kais Said, who was elected by the majority of the people. However, the president has not yet made an announcement.

The political initiative is led by the parliamentary National Reform bloc, headed by Hassouna Nasfi, and the People's Movement of Zouhair Maghzaoui.

They stressed the importance of overcoming sharp differences, especially that Ennahda Movement seeks to control the government to serve its narrow interests.

Maghzaoui indicated that the president has an opportunity to bring political parties closer as part of a national dialogue that would help end tensions among them.

Maghzaoui strongly criticized the Heart of Tunisia party for supporting the government of Hichem Mechichi, and for joining a parliamentary coalition led by Ennahda.

A number of political parties are forming a parliamentary bloc against the alliance led by Ennahda.

Maghzaoui said that the main purpose of the new alliance is to provide an alternative to the prevailing political division between Islamist political figures and parties of the old regime, in reference to the Free Destourian Party.

He revealed that this front supports the government even if they disagree on several positions and priorities.

The call for a national salvation conference is also supported by Mashrou Tounes movement, Beni Watani party, al-Amal party, and the Democratic party.



Sudanese-US Talks in Cairo Postponed

US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello at a press conference in Geneva, August 12 (EPA)
US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello at a press conference in Geneva, August 12 (EPA)
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Sudanese-US Talks in Cairo Postponed

US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello at a press conference in Geneva, August 12 (EPA)
US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello at a press conference in Geneva, August 12 (EPA)

The Sudanese-US talks planned for this week in Cairo have been delayed. The Sudanese government did not send a delegation, and US envoy Tom Perriello returned to Switzerland to continue aid efforts in Sudan.
This indicates a pause in efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
There has been confusion about the timing of the Cairo talks. The Sudanese government had agreed to attend after being invited by Egypt and the US.
However, diplomats and politicians told Asharq Al-Awsat that a quick resolution is unlikely. They said the talks with Sudan have been postponed, with the US expected to continue negotiations in Switzerland.
The Sudanese government had previously declined to join US-led talks in Switzerland on August 14, which aimed to address the conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with participation from the UN, African Union, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The Rapid Support Forces did attend.
The Sudanese Sovereignty Council planned to send a delegation to Cairo to discuss the Jeddah Agreement with US representatives. This followed discussions between the US envoy and the Egyptian government.
Sudanese sources said the delegation did not go to Cairo because they were unhappy with how the US envoy extended the invitation.
The Sovereignty Council had agreed to the Cairo meeting but wanted proper notice. The envoy’s last-minute request for attendance was rejected.
The talks focus on creating mechanisms for a ceasefire, ensuring the protection of civilians, and facilitating humanitarian aid.
They also aim to ensure that the warring parties fully implement the Jeddah Declaration.
Ali Youssef, former Sudanese ambassador to the EU, said that the Cairo talks with the Sudanese government have been delayed, not canceled.
Youssef told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Sudanese government is likely to focus on military action soon. He highlighted recent moves by the Sudanese army to target RSF positions.
Youssef criticized the Geneva talks, saying they were an attempt by the US to sidestep the Jeddah Agreement’s humanitarian goals and impose a US-centric approach, which the Sudanese army rejected.
He also noted that the Sudanese government opposes the US refusal to recognize the Sovereignty Council as a transitional authority.
Since the conflict began in April 2023, Jeddah has hosted talks led by Saudi Arabia and the US.