Three movements and political entities in eastern Sudan agreed on Thursday to form a new alliance called the “Joint Forces of Eastern Sudan Movements,” during a consultative meeting held in the Tamantay area of Kassala State.
Alliance Components and Objectives
The new alliance includes the Beja Conference – Unified Leadership led by Mohamed Tahir Oqudof, the Eastern Battalion led by Al-Amin Dawood, and the Popular Resistance and Mobilized Forces led by Nazir Turk.
During the first consultative meeting, Nazir Turk called on Sudanese Prime Minister Dr. Kamal Idris to expedite resolving the issue of eastern Sudan through a separate negotiation platform, criticizing the political elites who, he said, have governed Sudan since 1956.
Joint Defense and Political Demands
Mohamed Tahir Oqudof, leader of the Beja Conference – Unified Leadership, affirmed their determination to unify their military forces with the Eastern Battalion for joint defense of their land and rights.
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with what he described as the lack of appreciation for Nazir Turk’s efforts in confronting the previous government by the Sovereignty and Ministers’ Councils, calling for Turk to be appointed Speaker of the Sudanese Parliament.
Support for a Comprehensive Agreement on the Eastern Sudan Track
In this context, Jaafar Mohamed Al-Hassan, head of the Political Bureau of the United Popular Front, said that all parties will reach a consensus on the Eastern Sudan Track Agreement after a long period of disputes, calling for a broader agreement that guarantees the region’s rights in civil service and other areas.
He also stressed the need for unity among the people of eastern Sudan, considering that an expanded agreement is the way to achieve their legitimate demands.
Divergence of Views on the New Alliance
Conversely, writer and researcher Abu Fatima Onour downplayed the significance of the newly formed alliance, considering it an attempt to pressure the new government led by Kamal Idris in pursuit of political positions.
He pointed out that the formation of this alliance is part of efforts to disrupt a previous alliance comprising three other movements, which operate from the Eritrean border.
Previously, the Beja Conference led by Musa Mohamed Ahmed, the National Movement for Eastern Sudan led by Mohamed Tahir Ali Betay, and the Eastern Sudan Liberation Forces led by Ibrahim Donia had announced the formation of a joint alliance to defend eastern Sudan in case of any threats.
Anticipation Amid Calls for Negotiation
Onour noted that the new movements’ demand for a separate negotiation platform aims to hinder ongoing efforts between the previous alliance and the government to hold talks on eastern Sudan issues, which may further complicate the political landscape in the region.
Radio Dabanga / Al-Yurae
