Sudanese parties welcomed on Monday the signing of a framework agreement between Sudanese forces on a new political transition.
The parties deemed the development a step towards restoring the democratic civil transition in the country, calling on others to sign the pact.
Former member of the sovereign council Mohamed al-Faki described the development as a “major step” that should be followed up with more discussions.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said: “The forces that signed the deal had the courage to take the initiative.”
The agreement must not be restricted to the signatories as its articles fulfill the demands of the groups that opted against signing it, he stated.
These groups, he said, have “concerns and more questions” over the agreement.
“We need to show more openness towards others in order to fortify the civilian front,” Faki added.
Spokesman of the Forces of Freedom and Change Al-Wathiq Al-Barir said the deal “is the first step towards the final agreement.”
He told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The agreement speaks of the constitutional framework to complete the duties of the transition and the glorious December revolution.”
He warned that challenges still lie ahead, saying “saboteurs and opportunists” may seek to impede progress.
“All the Sudanese people, regardless of their affiliations, must work seriously in ensuring the success of the democratic civilian course and repel dangers,” he urged.
Sudan’s ruling generals and the main pro-democracy group on Monday signed a framework deal until elections.
The deal pledges to establish a new, civilian-led transitional government to guide the country to elections and offers a path forward in the wake of Sudan's stalled transition to democracy following the October 2021 coup.
One of the most prominent signatories, head of the Democratic Unionist Party Muhammad Othman Al-Mirghani described the deal as a “turning point” in political life in Sudan.
The deal led to the formation of a civilian bloc, which is a product of long months of efforts, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The formation of this bloc renders void the military’s excuses over the lack of consensus among civilian parties, he added. The military has been using this lack of unity to remain involved in politics.
Mirghani said that more work needed to be done to complete the formation of the civilian bloc.
With the military’s exit from the political scene, civil groups will be able to continue dialogue to reach a comprehensive constitutional agreement that would effectively kick off the transitional period, he went on to say.
He noted that the army “clearly declared that it was ready to leave political life to civilian forces to carry out their roles.”
He remarked that the civilian forces have not yet reached complete consensus as some key parties have yet to join the agreement.
Efforts will be made to convince them to join the process, he stressed.
