South Sudan Aggression could be Motivated by Hostilities' Culture, Interview (2-2) - Sudan Vision

Professor Hassan Mekki is a thinker, researcher, politician, educated, committed and supportive of his country and people’s issues. This interview with Dr. Mekki came against the background of a series of forums and dialogues conducted by Sudan Vision on the future of the political process in Sudan in the light of local, regional and international changes.

Q: Some political observers believe that negotiations with the Government of South Sudan are a waste of time. What is your comment?
A: Negotiations are natural matter and inevitable. We like it or not, South Sudan State is a neighboring country and part of Sudan. Hence, negotiations are necessary because those who have experienced war and its bitterness will follow the path of negotiations rather than war. Even the Palestinians are negotiating with the Jews in spite of the fact that the Jews have displaced them, killed them and seized their lands, they still negotiate with them.
Q: But the negotiations always reach a deadlock and there is back down from Southerners?
A: I do not think there is back down. As long as the other party sits with you, this in itself is an achievement. In Hudiabia reconciliation, the messenger of Allah Peace be upon him agreed to all the unjust conditions which resulted in split among the companions. The same is taking place now to the four freedoms.
Q: What is your opinion about the AUHIP?
A: There is great hope that the AUHIP succeeds. If Mbeki succeeds with the ratio of 40%, it will be considered as success.
Q: Do you believe that Southerners were hasty when they opted for secession?
A: Secession had been their wish. This was manifested in their writings in the English literature and the writings of Abel Alier and Bona Malwal.
Q: Do you believe that separation discredits the NCP?
A: As far as I am concerned, I do not think they have separated but there is huge credit for unity when the NCP accepted the separation. They did not want to rule the South by force. I see that there is credit for voluntary unity through dialogue.
Q: What is your opinion regarding hosting of Juba to the rebel movements?
A: This is a flagrant and blatant aggression.
Q: What is your viewpoint on Doha agreement?
A: I think it was based on Sudanese and Arab effort within an international organization.
Q: What do you think of the current differences among the political parties?
A: This is considered to be a huge political motion as most of the parties were in one pot or as one family representing the Sudanese community.
Q: What is your comment concerning the participation of the political parties in governance?
A: This is regarded as a political breakthrough as the north must unify their ranks and change must be gradual and quiet. It is not in the interest to bury the old parties.
Q: And what about USA and South Sudan relations?
A: America is keen on the interest of South Sudan which does not live without having strong relations with USA.
Q. After the separation of the South, to what extent Sudan has been affected with the revolutions that took place?
A: Sudan was (full) of revolutions. Egypt and Libya newly had their revolutions. What happened in Libya and Egypt in 2011, happened in Sudan before during the popular uprisings of 1964 and 1985.
Q: What are the solutions for the economic crisis the country is facing?
A: People must find solutions. The government has to reduce spending on government officials and trade unions leaders so that the country will move according to the available economic potentials.
Q. What is the current role of Hassan Mekki in the Islamic movement?
A: Hassan Mekki is still active doing his best. When ever I am requested to conduct an interview or dialogue or discussion I do not refuse but we give the chance for young people to carry on the Islamic work and lead the Islamic movement.
Q: Do you believe that the Islamic states lack will?
A: I think there are fear, hegemony, sectarianism and regionalism.
Q: Tell us about Hassan Mekki and university stage?
A. I graduated from the university in seven years because I was imprisoned for being politically active. At that time we were more moved by slogans rather than awareness with the consequences. Imprisonment was a chance for contemplation and thinking besides reading. I had become more mature.