Al-Mahdi fears war with South Sudan

Leader of Sudanese opposition National Umma party, Sadiq al-Mahdi, has launched a stinging attack on the ruling National Congress party (NCP), saying it is not recognised under Sudanese law "because it operates militias." Al-Mahdi said the NCP, led by President Omar al-Bashir, is dominated by army personnel and civil servants. The opposition politician also warned the regime against an impending war with the Republic of South Sudan. Speaking during a press conference at his party's headquarters in Omdurman, al-Mahdi called on the government to release "political prisoners" and warned that "obstacles" in the path of peace with South Sudan may lead to a full-fledged war "that could have destructive consequences for both countries." He added that among the factors indicating a potential war is on the horizon between Khartoum and Juba, is the presence of war parties in both countries. The NCP "boasts that putting pressure on the South will cause a change of government there," whereas authorities in Juba believe that "pressure will bring Khartoum to its knees." On the dispute over Abyei district, al-Mahdi said: "The situation there is out of both countries' hands and the local demographic make-up is in control. Sadly, the two countries have adopted contradictory stances and the only thing that has prevented the outbreak of war between them has been the Ethiopian presence there, with international and African blessing." The opposition leader described the prospect of war as "destructive" and said his party is "willing to pay the dues of peace" and is working to persuade people in both countries to resolve the conflict peacefully. Al-Mahdi also warned against the growing violence in Sudanese universities and said he held the ruling regime responsible for its refusal to acknowledge the growing phenomenon. He said the government is "disavowing its responsibilities towards the students of Darfur," and accused it of using violence as a method of exercising power. He demanded independence for universities, political freedom for students and implementation of an educational reform strategy. Discussing the controversial New Dawn Charter signed by Sudanese opposition parties in Uganda, al-Mahdi said his party's strategic objective was to "work towards a new regime that could achieve democratisation and a just peace." He said that the National Umma Party is in talks with opposition groups and parties to agree on avenues towards achieving this goal without resorting to violence, but added that his party is also willing to carry out dialogue with the NCP, particularly with members within the ruling party who are calling for reform.