Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir has a poor political and economic record and the repression of his Janjaweed militia has inflicted great damage on the people of Darfur. Therefore, when he announced this week the release of all political prisoners in Sudan, it came as both a surprise and a very welcome step. Al Bashir also called for a renewed national dialogue when he said: “We confirm we will continue our communication with all political and social powers without excluding anyone, including those who are armed, for a national dialogue which will bring a solution to all the issues”.
It seems the Sudanese government is reaching out to rebels in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states as well as to opposition political parties and seeking to strengthen the peace agreement with South Sudan. If the release of the political prisoners happens, and if the call for national dialogue is genuine, then a breakthrough is on the way. But reality may not match the government’s exciting rhetoric. So some caution is necessary as people respond willingly for the sake of Sudan.
