National Umma Party: Changing Positions or Tactical Moves from the "Old Playbook"? In an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, Dr. Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Vice President of the National Umma Party, presented several indicators regarding the party's stance on Sudan's political developments. Her statements were bold and reflected internal reviews, highlighting the party’s struggle between adhering to traditional principles and yielding to regional pressures. The significance of this interview lies in its new and positive indicators, particularly considering that Mariam is seen by some as complicit in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) coup that plunged the country into war. Evidence of this includes her statements before the war about the party’s intention to develop its options and work on alternative solutions should the implementation of the Framework Agreement continue to be obstructed. In any case, this article will analyze Mariam’s statements from a political perspective, setting aside legal aspects. The Stance on the Nairobi Charter Mariam Al-Mahdi affirmed that what took place in Nairobi was an expression of the vision of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by Abdel Aziz Al-Hilu, noting that other national perspectives might either align with or diverge from this initiative. She also stated that the party’s presidential institution would convene to determine the stance of the acting party leader, Fadlallah Burma Nasir, whom she accused of creating a parallel entity to the party’s legitimate institutions. Meanwhile, the party issued an official statement through its spokesperson, Al-Wathiq Al-Bireer, disavowing the Nairobi Charter, stating that it was signed without authorization. The statement emphasized that critical national issues, such as secularism and self-determination, require broad national dialogue and consensus based on the people's will, affirming that the party’s official stance is determined through its internal institutions. The Party’s Position on the Military In a significant development, Mariam Al-Sadiq stated that General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan was chosen by revolutionary forces, which grants him legitimacy. However, she stressed the need for him to move beyond political reactions and focus on building trust between civilians and the military, paving the way for elections that would restore civilian rule. She also called for dialogue with Islamists, arguing that excluding any political faction would not lead to a sustainable resolution of the political crisis. Mariam’s statements indicate a shift in the party’s political position. Previously, the party was among the harshest critics of the military, aligning with the narrative of the "Taqaddum" (Coordination of Civilian Forces), which denied Al-Burhan’s legitimacy and deemed his government a de facto administration. Now, however, a tactical reassessment appears to be underway, particularly in response to mounting public pressure. Additionally, the party may be attempting to leverage a previous statement by Al-Burhan, who stipulated that returning to Sudan and re-engaging in the political process would require renouncing support for the RSF. Internal Struggles Within the Party The National Umma Party’s internal conflicts have once again taken center stage, especially after the passing of Imam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi. Mariam’s faction, which includes her brother, Sadiq Al-Mahdi, and her husband, is in contention with another faction led by Fadlallah Burma Nasir. Meanwhile, a third faction, led by General Abdul Rahman Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, is gaining momentum and increasing its chances of assuming the party’s leadership. These internal divisions could either lead to internal reconciliation, allowing the party to reclaim its historical role in unifying Sudan, or result in yet another schism, adding to the series of splits the party has experienced over the years. Political Shifts in Sudan and Their Impact on the Party This internal turmoil within the National Umma Party coincides with broader political shifts in Sudan, including the official announcement of amendments to the 2025 Constitutional Document and the imminent selection of a new prime minister. These changes come amid the rise of Islamic rhetoric, which has successfully dominated the political landscape by supporting the military and advocating for national unity in the face of challenges. In this context, the Secretary-General of the Sudanese Islamic Movement, Ali Karti, described the Nairobi Charter as an attempt by "the remnants of falsehood and foreign agents" to rescue the RSF militia, asserting that the charter represents "a gathering of these remnants around the decaying corpse of the militia, dividing the remains of its victims." Political Repositioning Amid these developments, the National Umma Party appears to be repositioning itself within Sudan’s political landscape. However, the key question remains: Is this a genuine reassessment of its stance, or merely a tactical maneuver from the "old playbook," aimed at reentering the political process from a new position? The coming days will provide the answer, as the country's political balances continue to be reshaped. Although the party has not explicitly taken an institutional stance against the RSF, its disavowal of the Nairobi Charter—signed by political forces aligned with the militia—suggests an attempt to distance itself from these groups, potentially improving its image among the Sudanese public, which largely rejects the militias. Additionally, Mariam’s statement that the newly proposed "Sumood" alliance remains an unfinished idea with an incomplete political and party framework indicates that the party is moving towards regaining control over its political direction. The National Accord Document: A Political Exit Strategy? Mariam Al-Mahdi’s remarks about the "National Accord Document," proposed by the National Umma Party, represent an attempt to forge a political solution that balances the various political forces, steering clear of the polarization that has characterized Sudan’s recent political landscape. Her statements in the Al Jazeera interview suggest that the party seeks to renegotiate Sudan’s future through comprehensive political solutions, potentially aimed at achieving broad national consensus among different political actors. The document includes proposals for confidence-building measures among Sudanese factions, emphasizing dialogue with Islamists and rejecting political exclusion. It also opposes foreign interventions and seeks to establish a purely Sudanese-led political solution. Conclusion Based on this Truth Perspective, the National Umma Party has a significant opportunity to reposition itself internally—particularly if it can present itself as a nationally independent actor, free from regional and international influences. However, this will depend on its ability to unify its internal stance, build strategic alliances, and engage with the Sudanese public in a manner that aligns with their aspirations for stability, security, and peace. Wishing you well. Tuesday, February 25, 2025 [email protected]