SLM Statement on the Cancellation of the Civil Society Conference
entitled “Mandate
Darfur
”
The SLM strongly condemns the government of
Sudan
(GoS) for its continuous crimes and harassment against the people of
Darfur
. The SLM especially regrets that GoS has been able to silence independent voices in
Darfur
and that it has successfully obstructed the participation of civil society representatives from
Darfur
at “Mandate Darfur” which was a civil society Conference initially scheduled to take place in
Addis Ababa
during the period 12th – 16th May 2009. The SLM fully supports the involvement of independent civil society groups from
Darfur
in the peace-making and peace-building process in the region. The SLM considers the role of civil society groups in
Darfur
as second to none in its importance and that they are effective partners and moblizers of the masses.
The SLM wishes to express its solidarity and gratitude to the organisers of “Mandate Darfur” the Mo Ibrahim Foundation for their excellent efforts, energy and resources allocated for the convening of this major event. We share their frustration and the dismay of civil society from
Darfur
that such an important Civil Society Conference was cancelled by an insensitive government in
Khartoum
led by international criminal Omar Al Bashier despite the painstaking preparatory work conducted in this respect.
We hereby encourage the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to use its prestigious position as a disciplined and internationally renowned African institution to continue its endeavours for the cause of peace in
Darfur
and the whole of our continent.
As well, we appeal to the African Union, the United Nations and the international community at large to pressurise the GoS to desist from obstructing the work of humanitarian organisations and in the delivery of life-saving material in
Darfur
and also in the peace process. In that respect we call for full and unconditional implementation of all Resolutions passed by UN Security Council to end the conflict in
Darfur
without delay. That is the only way for this government to come to its sense and constructively engage in the
Darfur
peace process. This also will allow the war-affected people to rebuild their confidence on the international community.
Kampala
(
Uganda
), 14.05.09
Signed Abaker Mohamed Abuelbashar
SLM/A Representative to African
Union
Cell: +256715441184 or +447949232883 and Thuraya phone +8821655535366