Civil forces in Sudan have announced their determination to hold an inaugural meeting in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to establish a broad civil front aimed at ending the war and restoring democratic civil transition.
A member of the special communication committee for the meeting, Tayeb Al-Malikabi, told Asharq Al-Awsat that arrangements for the preparatory meeting slated for Saturday have been completed, and invitations have been extended to concerned parties.
A wide spectrum of political, civil, and labor forces has confirmed their participation in the meeting, with their delegations starting to arrive in Addis Ababa.
Al-Malikabi explained that the meeting’s agenda focuses on preparing for the general conference of civil forces, outlining a common political vision to be agreed upon, as well as developing clear structures for the front.
It also involves identifying the participating forces in the anticipated inaugural conference to be held in November.
Moreover, the meeting seeks to establish an agreement on unifying negotiation platforms to halt the war, such as the African Union (AU) initiative and the Jeddah platform.
Al-Malikabi emphasized that halting the war is a key item on the meeting’s agenda, encompassing the cessation of hostile actions, damage reconciliation, the desired civil transition, as well as security and military reform.
A significant number of national figures, including former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, as well as representatives of Sufi orders, civil society, and business leaders will be partaking in the meeting.
According to the conference’s media committee, the four-day meeting will start on Oct. 21 and last until Oct.24.
More than 80 participants representing various civil and political entities are attending this meeting.
