Press Releases
SLM Statement on the Cancellation of the Civil Society Conference
By [unknown placeholder $article.art_field1$]
May 16, 2009 - 10:41:44 AM

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 12^th – 16^th 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