THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE

THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

THE FINAL COMMUNIQUÉ

The L. C. has convened its ordinary meeting during the period from 7 to 11 October 1996 in the Eritrean capital, Asmara. The meeting was presided by Mawlana El Sayed Mohamed Osman El-Mirghani and attended by all L. C. members. It has deliberated on its approved agenda and adopted the necessary resolutions.

The L. C. reviewed the performance of the NDA leadership and executive organs, and adopted appropriate measures for upgrading their efficiency in the light of previous experience and important international and regional developments in so far as they relate to the situation in Sudan. This included developments relating to the sanctions taken by the Security Council against the NIF regime for its involvement in the assassination attempt against the Egyptian President Mohammed Husni Mubarak, and in international terrorist activities as well as the regime's wiles to escape sanctions and international isolations and in particular its false claims to international public opinion that it has forsaken terrorist practices and violation to human tights.

The L. C. monitored President Rafsenjani's visit to Khartoum within the framework of a suspect African tour and the implications of the agreements he has concluded with the NlF leaders. Of concern to the L.C. also was the human and material support promised by Iran to the NIF and the consequent risks of the visit to stability and peace in the region, the potential instigation of religious conflict in Sudan and the expansion of the war zone in South Sudan. The L.C. has agreed on actions to be taken in this regard.

The L. C. also monitored the woeful consequences of the NIF economic policies, the impact of the greed and unbridled corruption of its supporters, on Sudan's economy and the resultant increase of the suffering of the masses, the aggravation of the economic crisis and the maddening rise in prices, taxes and services fees despite the scarcity and deterioration of latter.

The L. C. equally monitored the persistence of the NlF regime in expanding civil war, the preparations for its escalation in the south, the involvement of foreign forces for this purpose especially air pilots to wage brutal raids on peaceful villages and citizens, the importation of more weapons and means of destruction and the use of cluster bombs in some areas. The L.C. noted that while all this goes on, the regime unashamedly launches deceptive peace initiatives based on a charter concluded through manipulating and bribing surrenderist groups and persons.

The regime wishes to hoodwink international institutions and personalities that it is inclined to achieve peace us falsifying the bitter and tragic reality within the Sudan. Besides the L C. monitored the most important developments of the popular resistance which has assumed qualitatively and quantitatively a high stage culminating in the presentation of the NDA memorandum to the President of the NIF regime, the Medical Doctors strike the defeat of NIF supporters among students in universities and institutions and the September uprising. The NlF savage reprisal by firing at demonstrators leading to the martyrdom of some of them, the burning the Ahliya University of Omdurman and the wide campaign of arrest and torture of hundreds of people was also reviewed. The L. C. hailed this courageous popular uprising and the steadfastness of the NDA leaders and constituents inside the Sudan and has taken decisions to provide material and moral support to them by all means.

The L. C. also took note of the enhanced preparations in the ranks of the SPLA to face up to NIF plans. It also noted with satisfaction that the SPLA continues to maintain the initiative in the field, and hailed in this regard the SPLM activities on both political and intellectual fronts and the determination of its combatants and leaders Dr. John Garang De Mabior.

The L C observed the continued progress of the armed struggle on the Eastern Front, the increase in the number of fighters, the establishment of new camps and growing coordination and unity among military factions. In this connection it applauded the operations carried out by its armed factions and in particular the 8th of October operation in Togan garrison which was courageously executed by a tri-partie force belonging to the NDA. The L. C. has taken additional measures and arrangements for expanding recruitment, raising qualitatively the standard of fighters with view to eventually uniting them.

The L. C. takes this occasion to declare its utmost rejection to the planting of anti-personnel mines in the Beja area by the NIF government to prevent volunteers from joining NDA camps and obstruct border trade with view to putting pressure on citizens by depriving them from means of livelihood. This mining has led to killing and injuring of many citizens. The L.C. calls upon people to be vigilant to this danger. The L. C. also re-affirms the NDA's firm stand that armed factions shall continue to concentrate their operations on targets of military and security nature and against NIF militias while fully preserving the security of civilians and their property.

On the other hand, the L. C. approved limited improvements in, and amendments to, the NDA Charter and resolutions, and referred the adoption of the proposed constitution, legal documents and economic programmes for its next meeting for approval after due consultation. It has also adopted resolutions for promotion of the NDA information organs and Radio and providing them with the necessary support.

The L. C. hails the governments, countries, parties, organizations and personalities who have extended support to the people of the Sudan in their persistent struggle against the NIF regime and re-emphasizes that this support is indispensable for confronting a common enemy whose menace is not limited to the Sudan.

The L. C. in particular hails the sisterly State of Eritrea, its leadership and people. Eritrea has opened its heart and land to embrace the cause of the Sudanese people and their struggle for peace, freedom, democracy and justice. Eritrea's support is a confirmation of the ties that have been consolidated between the two peoples over nearly half a century in charters written in blood. And while hailing this stance, the L. C. strongly denounces the practices of the NIF regime in terrorizing and abusing Eritrean and Ethiopian citizens residing in the Sudan.

The L. C. hails the 32nd anniversary of the glorious 21st October revolution and calls upon the Sudanese masses to take inspiration from the great October heritage for escalating popular political and armed struggle to over throw the bloody NIF regime and eradicate it root and branch in order to build the new Sudan on its relics. The L. C. calls on all its branches outside the Sudan and on all patriotic Sudanese citizens wherever they are, to extend maximum material and moral support for our people's glorious struggle in order to accelerate victory and salvation.

May God help us and guide our steps.

Asmara 12 October 1996