October 4, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) joined the Sudanese opposition forces and reaffirmed its rejection of a process engaged by the Sudanese government to establish a permanent constitution without the participation of rebel groups.

JEM logo.

"To forge a permanent constitution, it is crucial to involve all the peoples of Sudan and we suggest to hold Constitutional Conference of Sudan’s Provinces Peoples," said Suleiman sandal, JEM political secretary.

In statements to Sudan Tribune the rebel official said they reject any constitution that Khartoum prepares , adding that all the successive regimes failed to adopt a permanent constitution for the country because they marginalized the different regions of Sudan and excluded it.

Sandal, in a telephone interview, went further to propose that this inclusive conference discusses the voluntary unity of Sudanese peoples, form of Sudanese state (unity or federalism), and the political regime (parliamentary or presidential system).

He also said that outcome of this conference should be endorsed by popular referendum.

Since the secession of South Sudan in July 2011, Sudanse president Omer Al-Bashir reiterated his resolve to adopt an Islamic constitution but the main opposition parties rejected the idea and called for a large constitutional conference.

The government recently renewed its call for a constitutional conference and invited, this time, all the political opposition forces who rejected the invitation and stressed the need for an inclusive process that should include the rebel groups and seek ways to settle the conflicts in Darfur, south Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Sandal also minimised a statement by Sudanese state minister Amin Hassan Omer who said the rebel groups, after the signing of Addis Ababa agreements, have no choice but to join the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur.

He said that the remarks of the former government top negotiator in the Doha process confirm that security approach still dominate the vision of Sudanese officials when it comes to handle a solution for Darfur crisis .

"The government believes that the agreements signed with the South Sudan could weaken the (rebel) movements but in fact, we are more strong and determinant to achieve its objectives," he said.

He further added that the political situation in Sudan exceeded Doha agreements and any future talk about a political solution must be comprehensive.

JEM and three other rebel groups in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile formed an alliance aiming to topple the Sudanese government by all means. They say if there are negotiations with Khartoum it should lead to establish a new regime.

Sandal welcomed the nine deals signed between Khartoum and Juba on 27 September and asserted that JEM supports peace and good relations with South Sudan. He said the regime of the ruling National Congress Party is the only danger for regional stability and called to overthrow it.

(ST)