Sudanese dialogue must share power

Leader of Sudan’s Islamist opposition Wasat Party, Joseph al-Koda, has called for “radical solutions” to the country’s growing political and security crisis, suggesting “serious dialogue” is the only way out. Al-Koda, recently released from prison, spoke to Arabstoday in an exclusive interview in Khartoum. “The government should listen to the opposition at home and abroad – and listen to the armed movements as well,” al-Koda claimed. Current statements by President Omar al-Bashir’s government, claiming it is looking to form a “government of national unity,” were “useless” in solving Sudan’s problems, he argued. Al-Koda, who signed the controversial New Dawn Charter with other opposition figures in the Ugandan capital Kampala, also claims the opposition is waiting for a “suitable atmosphere” for dialogue. “The government returned to its senses when it released political prisoners – I was one of them – after signing the document,” he said. “The opposition is ready for dialogue. I don’t think the government wants dialogue because it believes talks would work against it. The government is reluctant to engage in a genuine dialogue [with the opposition].”