Abdul Wahid al Nur to Asharq Al-Awsat: Juba Agreement Deepens Crisis

Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
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Abdul Wahid al Nur to Asharq Al-Awsat: Juba Agreement Deepens Crisis

Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)

Head of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army Abdul Wahid al Nur said that the peace deal that was signed in Juba on Saturday between the power-sharing government and several armed groups will only deepen the country’s crisis, not solve it.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he stated that the deal “divided quotas” and does not address the root of the crisis.

The government, he revealed, tried hard to involve him in the peace negotiations, but his movement refused to take part in talks that were being carried in the same way that was adopted by the ousted regime.

Speaking from his residence in Paris, Abdul Wahid said his movement had an alternative initiative that is based on involving all segments of Sudanese society. He revealed that he will return to Sudan soon in order to launch it.

He explained that he wanted to return to his home country sooner, but the plan was delayed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu are the country’s largest armed groups. As opposed to other movements, they enjoy bases and forces on the ground.

Hilu’s movement had not participated in initial peace negotiations, but agreed last month to join new talks hosted by South Sudan. The movement signed a preliminary agreement with the government to launch negotiations in the future that would tackle separating religion from the state and allowing the residents of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan regions, where Hilu’s movement holds sway, to determine their fate.

Abdul Wahid’s movement has yet to agree to hold any negotiations with the government.

“I do not want a position or to become an ambassador or minister. We only want sustainable peace that addresses the core of the problem,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“The military and civilian leaderships kidnapped the revolution and imposed a status quo, which we oppose, on us,” he added.

“We want to hold dialogue with all segments of Sudanese society to identify the roots of the decades-long crisis,” he continued.

“Negotiations between the government and opposition always end with the division of power. This is at the heart of Sudan’s crisis and not a solution to it,” Abdul Wahid stressed.

He accused the regime of ousted leader Omar al-Bashir of arming militias in Darfur and other disputed regions. These militias, known as Janjaweed, have only brought death and corruption. Moreover, he said his movement believes that Sudan was controlled by the army for five decades. This military killed the Sudanese people in the South after they chose independence. It also committed genocide in Darfur and the Blue Nile region.

In order for lasting peace to prevail, security must be imposed throughout the country and all militias and tribes that were armed by the former regime must lay down their weapons, demanded Abdul Wahid.

Furthermore, tribes in Darfur that were victims of genocide and racial cleansing by the former regime and that have been expelled from their territories must be allowed back, he continued. People who have settled in lands that were vacated by force must leave. These tribes must be compensated and the war criminals must be brought to justice.

“These are not conditions, but rights,” declared Abdul Wahid.

Bashir and members of his regime are wanted by the International Criminal Court over their crimes in Darfur.

“We must address the reasons that prompted people to take up arms,” continued Abdul Wahid. “We must ask ourselves why our country, which has vast agricultural lands and water resources, is now suffering from famine?”

“It is important for the Sudanese people to determine the problems in our economy and come up with solutions,” he urged. “We must also come up with a way to manage the diversity of religions and cultures so that we can build a united country where all people are equal. We must recognize that we have failed in this regard.”

In contrast to Hilu’s movement, Abdul Wahid’ movement is committed to a united Sudan and does not want independence in disputed regions.

“Darfur makes up more than half of Sudan. We have no better alternative to it, so how can it be allowed to determine its fate?” he asked. “We want to eliminate the reasons that prompt people to think about breaking away from the country.”



Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
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Nigeria Nears Military Agreements with Saudi Arabia to Boost Security, Combat Terrorism

Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)
Nigerian Minister of State and Saudi Deputy Defense Minister in Riyadh (SPA)

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, told Asharq Al-Awsat that his country is close to signing military agreements with Saudi Arabia. These deals will include joint training, capacity-building programs, counterterrorism training, and intelligence sharing.

He said Nigeria is working to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. “My visit focused on boosting military cooperation and ties with the Saudi Armed Forces,” he added after meeting Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Matawalle said his country believes in Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting regional stability and global security. He noted that his visit aimed to explore new opportunities, share ideas, and strengthen cooperation to address common security threats.

Matawalle said the talks focused on boosting security ties, including counterterrorism training and intelligence sharing.

“We aim to solidify Nigeria’s partnership with Saudi Arabia and finalize agreements on joint training programs and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen our armed forces,” he said.

He also visited the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) headquarters in Riyadh, where he met Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi to discuss enhancing cooperation in security and counterterrorism with Saudi Arabia and other member states.

Counterterrorism Efforts

Nigeria has made strong progress in fighting terrorism, thanks to multi-faceted strategies, according to Matawalle. He pointed to the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which has significantly reduced banditry in the northwest.

In the northeast, groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have been largely defeated through Operation HADIN KAI, he said, crediting military action and international partnerships, including with Saudi Arabia, for improved intelligence and training.

Matawalle also praised a recent counterterrorism conference in Nigeria, calling it a vital step.

“It highlighted the importance of working together to tackle terrorism and strengthen regional security,” he said.

Matawalle said that the recent counterterrorism conference helped countries share strategies, intelligence, and best practices. He stressed the need for a united front against terrorist networks and highlighted the event’s role in boosting collaboration between African nations and global partners.

Matawalle added that the conference reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in regional security and the importance of partnerships like the one with the IMCTC.

Nigeria Calls for Stronger Arab-African Role in Regional Crises

Matawalle urged Arab-African nations to work together to stop the wars in Palestine and Lebanon. He called for collective action to push for a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid to those affected.

He emphasized the need for Arab-African countries to use their influence in organizations like the UN and African Union to seek a fair resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On Sudan’s crisis, Matawalle reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for peaceful solutions through inclusive dialogue. He stressed that clear mandates, logistical support, and collaboration with local stakeholders are essential for success.

“Nigeria is ready to work with regional and international partners to ensure peace initiatives succeed,” he said, highlighting Nigeria’s leadership roles in ECOWAS and the African Union. He also backed deploying mediators to secure ceasefires and deliver humanitarian aid.

Matawalle said deploying African forces in Sudan could succeed if efforts are well-coordinated, properly funded, and internationally supported.

He expressed optimism, pointing to growing agreement among African nations on the importance of African-led solutions. With backing from the African Union and global partners, he believes such initiatives could protect civilians and promote lasting stability.