The National Democratic Alliance

Meeting of the Leadership Council

FINAL COMMUNIQUÉ

The Leadership Council (LC) of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the highest instance of the NDA after the Congress, convened an important meeting at Asmara between 12 to 15 January 1996, to review the activities of the NDA since the Conference on Fundamental Is sues and the historic resolutions that emanated from it, and to map out an action-plan for the ensuing phase. The meeting was attended by all members of the LC and Executive Bureau. Present also was Elamin Mohamed Saeed, Secretary of the Popular Front for Democracy and Justice, some NDA leaders and Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim who attended all meetings as an observer representing Sudanese women.

After the completion of the signature of the Asmara documents by all Forces of the NDA and national personalities, Moulana Elsayed Mohamed Osman Elmirghani, President of the NDA, opened the meeting with a note of appreciation of the strong support given by the Eritrean people and leadership to the people of Sudan in their struggle for the restoration of freedom, peace and democracy. He congratulated the Sudanese people on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Sudan’s Independence, and prayed that this occasion be a source of inspiration to our people to galvanize their efforts, intensify their struggle, and consolidate political and military action to uproot the NIF heinous regime, and build, on its remnants, a New Sudan.

Sayed Elamin Mohamed Saeed addressed the meeting both on behalf of the Popular Front and President Assias Afwerki, emphasizing Eritrea’s solidarity with the struggle of the people of Sudan, and its readiness to selflessly double its support to the NDA and all people of Sudan, without interference in their internal affairs. Sayed Elamin pointed out that the peoples of the Region look forward to a New Sudan free from suppress ion, and capable of playing its destined role in providing stability and prosperity to the Horn of Africa and its peoples.

On the other hand Dr. John Garang de Mabior, Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLM/A), affirmed in his address to the meeting, the commitment of SPLM/A, as an integral part of NDA, to the unity of the Sudan, a unity based on justice, equality and liberation from all the legacies of the past, which led our country to the brink of collapse. He also indicated that the right of self determination does not necessarily mean separation, provided that the conditions for the establishment of a just unity he pointed out are met in the manner enshrined in resolutions of the Asmara Conference on Fundamental Issues. Dr. Garang also maintained that the congruence of internal, regional and international conditions indicate that the NIF is a spent force. However, he went on to say that this is not sufficient by itself to bring the collapse of the decaying, but not yet defunct, NIF regime. The overthrow of the regime, he said, requires the convergence of political action by the masses and popular armed struggle, both in the North and South. He added that the fall of the regime, this time, shall mean an immediate end to the war so that the NDA can proceed forthwith with the implementation of the Asmara resolutions. On the military situation, Dr. Garang informed the meeting that the SPLA has regained the initiative in battle and is determined to maintain that initiative. He also briefed the meeting on the NIF crimes with respect to child conscription, and the engagement of those children in the chicket of war without any military training or preparation.

The meeting then lent its ears to a report from the NDA Secretary General, Sayed Mubarak Elmahdi, which touched on both internal and external conditions which converged to deepen the crisis of the regime. The Secretary General paid a special tribute to the students September Uprising and enumerated the lessons drawn from that Uprising. He also paid tribute to the SPLA in their victories since October 1995. Among those lessons is the realization of that people are able to transcend the threshold of fear that the regime is not invincible. its vulnerability was demonstrated by its use of excessive force against unarmed young students. However, the Secretary General added that this impels the NDA to ensure armed protection to the masses in their struggle against the NIF repressive regime.

General Fathi Ahmed Ali, NDA Vice President, Chairman of the High Politico-Military Committee, enlightened the meeting on military arrangements. In his report, General Ali concluded that the repressive Turabi/al-Bashir regime has imposed on the people of Sudan, as well as NDA forces, resort to force. The NIF regime alone is, therefore, fully responsible for that option. To achieve that option, General Fathi delineated a unified strategy, including all forms of military action, to be implemented in stages with a view to overthrow the NIF regime.

In addition to Secretary-General, the LC received several reports from members of the Executive Bureau. This included a report from Ustaz Farouq Abu Eissa on the draft transitional constitution, and the draft laws aimed at bringing to justice, during the interim period, all those responsible for corruption, economic ruination, and violations of human rights and the dignity of our people. Sayed ElTigani ElTayeb focused in his report on the NDA organizational work abroad, both at the leadership and branch levels, and suggested measures for rectifying shortcomings. Dr. Mansour Kalid reported on the external situation at the regional and international levels, and the efforts exerted to convey the NDA message to the world, with the aim of deepening the regime’s isolation and laying down the foundations for international support to the New Sudan’s economic agenda. Dr. Farouq Ahmed Adam reported on the NDA activities in the field of public information with special reference to the NDA Radio Service which started broadcast since last August. He analyzed critically all shortcomings and suggested the actions needed to improve performance to the satisfaction of all listeners inside and outside the country. Engineer Hashim Mohamed Ahmed reported on the financial affairs of the NDA and the efforts made to mobilize resources from NDA supporters with specific proposals to develop these resources.

Resolutions and Recommendations

The NDA Leadership Council:

While Saluting the People of the Sudan and hailing their struggle and steadfastness in the face of all odds; and,

While congratulating all our Christian brothers and sisters everywhere on the occasion of Christmas, and also congratulating Sudanese people of all beliefs on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Sudan’s independence;

and

While expressing deep satisfaction with, and appreciation of, the support of the Popular Front for Democracy and Justice and His Excellency President Assais Afwerki to the people of Sudan, in their struggle for the restoration of freedom, democracy and peace; and

While solemnly assuring them that the near future shall witness the achievement of the aspirations of the Eritrean and Sudanese peoples in democracy, stability, tranquility and prosperity for all peoples of the Region; and

While saluting, the struggle by all sections of our people and in particular the students who led the September 1995’s Uprising, which revealed the abilities of our people to transcend the threshold of fear; and

While condemning the savage practices exercised by the regime against our students and educational institutions which have been dearly established by the people of Sudan;

Hereby resolves:-

First: On Political Issues:

1. Renews unanimously its commitment to the unity of the Sudan as the preferred option of the NDA. That unity shall be based on free choice, the bond of citizenship, justice and equality, while reaffirming its unanimous commitment to the right of self determination, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Asmara Resolutions.
2. Emphasizes that the unity of the Sudanese Opposition, which was concretely established by the Asmara Conference on Fundamental Issues, is the only guarantee of our ability to bring to fruition all the programs and plans adopted. This unity should be preserved by closing up our ranks in the face of all attempts to abort those programs and plans which represent a viable agenda to be supported by all Sudanese, regardless of their political orientation or alignment.
3. Giving the unity of vision, and the congruence of local, regional and international conditions for change, LC decides that national action should be intensified according to a prescribed plan and integrated political and military work to be carried out within a specified time-frame.
4. The LC decides that the performance of NDA bodies should be upgraded to live up to these plans and to be responsive to local, regional and international variables.
5. The LC decides that all efforts should be made by the NDA to support SPLM/SPLA to maintain initiative in the battle and secure more victories.
6. The LC decides to intensify media activities in order to unmask further the atrocities of the NIF isolated regime, both internally and externally, and to strengthen and unite the opposition forces inside the country, thus providing suitable conditions for the uprising while assuring armed protection to that uprising.
7. The LC calls on NDA adherents and supporters outside the Sudan to contribute to reinforcing the NDA activities, and to mobilize support for that end from friends.
8. The LC rejects the farcical elections announced by the regime under a so-called constitution meant to perpetuate dictatorial rule, repression and terrorism. Those theatrics are a cosmetic effort by the regime to improve its ugly face, legitimize its power, and hoodwink the international community that it has ceased to be a regime emanating from a military coup d’etat. The LC decided to organize political and media campaigns to uncover that farce and to strengthen the resistance by our people, and the NDA forces inside the country, to those elections.

Second: On Regional and International Arenas

1. The LC notes with appreciation all efforts by the international community to condemn the NIF regime for violating human rights. The LC also notes with special appreciation the United Nations General Assembly Resolutions passed by a great majority last December concerning the placement of international observers to monitor human rights violations in the Sudan, and of condemnation of the regime for its engagement in slavery practices.
2. The LC also notes with appreciation the resolutions of the Conference on Democracy and Peace in the Sudan, organized by Christian Solidarity International, at the House of Lords in London, 29-30th November 1995. That meeting was yet another step in the way to integrate the Asmara Resolutions and the IGAAD Initiative. In this respect, the LC expresses satisfaction with the consensus reached by that Conference on the Asmara Resolutions, including support from Sudanese political elements who are not members of the NDA.
3. The LC hails the positive initiatives taken by all parties, especially Ethiopia and Egypt, regarding the conflict between Eritrea and Yemen. Those initiatives led to the removal of tension particularly after the announcement by both parties of their
4. determination to resolve the dispute peacefully through negotiation and in accordance with international law.
5. The LC expresses the thanks of the NDA to all sisterly and friendly nations and governments, as well as to all the regional and international organizations that have shown support to the cause of the people of Sudan.
6. The LC calls upon all nations and governments who continue to assist the regime , particularly through providing arms and tools of destruction, to desist from that assistance which only helps a blood-thirsty dictatorial regime. In this regard, the LC points out that the NDA, which comprises all Sudanese political and social forces except for the National Islamic Front, is very mindful of the common interests among the people of Sudan and peoples of these governments and, therefore, hopes that those governments shall remove all impediments which may negatively affect these relations in future.

Third: On Terrorism

1. The LC condemns the exercise of terrorism by National Islamic Front’s regime against the people of the Sudan, and its exportation to the Arab, African and Islamic regions, including the granting asylum to terrorists and religious extremists who threaten the social security of Sudan, and endanger the heritage and values of our people with respect to religious tolerance.
2. The LC condemns the planning and perpetration of the NIF regime of the attempted assassination of President Hosni Mubarak President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, at Addis Ababa. The LC also condemns the NIF regime’s refusal to deliver foreign and Sudanese terrorists accused of that offence. Those elements are still under the protection of the NIF government inside Sudan.
3. The LC supports the complaint lodged by the Ethiopian Government to the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Security Council against the National Islamic Front’s government. The LC calls on the two respective organizations to prevail on the NIF’s government to surrender these terrorists and eradicate camps of terrorism in Sudan, in order to protect the social stability of our country and preserve tranquillity in the neighbouring states.
4. The LC calls on the International Community to impose a ban on supply of arms and fuel, accompanied by all penalties needed to stop the aggression of that regime against the people of Sudan and the neighbouring countries. The LC also calls upon friendly governments to ban access to their countries by the political and military leadership of the regime in the same manner applied to other repressive regimes.

Fourth: On Military Aspects

The LC decided the formation of a High Military and Political Committee, and approved the strategic programme prepared by that Committee for the escalation of all forms of military action. This action shall be integrated with the struggle launched by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. In this respect, the LC decided to form a military Liaison and facilitation Committee to liaise among existing forces of the NDA and those that may come up in the future.

Fifth: Other Issues

I - Criteria for NDA Membership

On criteria of membership in, and admission to, the NDA, the LC approved the criteria proposed by the Executive Bureau.

As regards applications for membership, the LC decided to accept the membership of the Democratic Federal Alliance. It also decided to reject the application for membership by the Southern Sudan Independence Movement (SSIM) for the following reasons:-

• It has only limited its support to the Asmara documents to the one on self determination
• The applicant’s name conflicts with NDA principles and resolutions
• Failure of the applicant to give sufficient proof that it has broken all relations with the NIF

The response to other applications shall be communicated to the applicants by the Executive Bureau.

2 - Women

The LC hails the struggle of Sudanese women alongside men in national political struggle and all fields of action. In view of their contribution to national struggle, the LC recommends to the Conference the inclusion of women representatives in the LC.

3 - Mobilization

1. The LC recommends, that a certain formula be devised by the Executive Bureau - to enable all those who are willing - and competent to play ~ an active role in the struggle against the NIF regime, to find their appropriate place within the NDA ranks.
2. The LC decides to freeze the decision of the NDA Conference on the establishment of NDA Centres in Cairo, London, Nairobi, and to concentrate, instead, on building up NDA branches as a matter of priority. The Executive Bureau should, therefore, act accordingly.
3. The LC decides, that necessary and adequate support be provided for the Secretariat for Organization and Administration to execute the obligations conferred on it with the highest possible degree of efficiency.
4. The LC calls upon all Sudanese expatriates to strengthen the Radio through substantive

External Affairs

1. The LC approves the proposed plan of action, and appreciates the efforts exerted so far to convey the NDA message to regional and international communities with a view to both deepening the isolation of the regime, and to laying the foundation and creating the enabling environment of support to the NDA Economic Action Plan.
2. The LC decides, that the plan of external action be forthwith carried out with the aim of enforcing penalties (including a ban on the importation of arms and fuel) on the terrorist NIF regime. Despite the sufferance that may ensue from such punishment, it will, nonetheless, expedite the overthrow of the regime and, therefore, shorten the extent of sufferance which our people endured since the beginning of NIF rule.
3. The LC directs NDA Secretariat of External Relations to mobilize all competent and experienced Sudanese all over the  world to contribute to the activities of the Secretariat, each according to his/her competence and personal ability

5 - Basic Documents

The LC decided to make all the basic documents approved by the Asmara Conference on Fundamental Issues available to all members or supporters of the NDA.

The LC decided to form a committee composed of: Dr. Omar Nour El-Daiem, Farouq Abu Eissa, Dr. Mansour Khalid, Dr. Farouq Ahmed Adam, Dr. Elshafie Khidir, and Mr. Pagan Amom to look into the improvement of the following documents:-

1. Resolution on the Right of Self Determination
2. Charter of National Democratic Alliance
3. Trades Unions’ Charter
4. Draft laws on the Press and Publications

The committee may seek assistance from Sudanese experts and specialists. All NDA forces are called upon to deliver to the committee, in writing, suggestions for the improvement of those documents. The committee shall expedite its task and deliver its findings to the LC, as soon as possible.

6- NDA headquarters

The LC decides, that the leadership office of the National Democratic Alliance be located in Asmara.

Inspired by the traditions of our people, that reject suppression, and the fierce battles faught by our people against colonialism and dictatorships, the LC calls upon all compatriots to organize themselves and to unite their forces in order to uprise collectively against the aggressive regime of the National Islamic Front so as to remove it, root and branch. The LC is confident of the ability of our people to score victory and build a just, democratic, vibrant and united Sudan.