Khartoum, September 15 (Darfur24)
The Sudanese Journalists Syndicate Council on Tuesday reaffirmed its decision to withdraw from political and organizational alliances, including the “Sumud” alliance, describing the move as a decision aimed at preserving the syndicate’s independence and unity.
The position came amid escalating disagreements within the syndicate following the council’s decision to extend its term and withdraw from political and organizational alliances. Three council members subsequently announced their resignations.
Khaled Fathi, Mashair Daraj and Sarah Taj Al-Sir, who represent the Sudanese Journalists Network on the council, announced their resignations on Monday, saying the current circumstances prevented them from carrying out their roles in line with their professional and union principles.
The three members cited the council’s decision to extend its term as a major reason for their resignations. They said they had called for the decision to be referred to the General Assembly, which they considered the body with the authority to decide the matter, but their request was unsuccessful.
They also disputed the wording of the council’s final statement on withdrawing from alliances. According to the resigning members, an initial draft called for “the termination of the union’s presence in any political alliance,” but the final version referred instead to withdrawal from political or organizational alliances “involved in the conflict.”
The three members argued that the change left open the possibility of the syndicate participating in other political or organizational alliances not considered parties to the conflict. They said the dispute had therefore moved beyond the wording of the statement to questions about the syndicate’s role in public affairs and the independence of its decisions.
In its response, the syndicate council acknowledged that the General Assembly had not been held on schedule and said the final statement included an apology to members for the delay.
The council said the decision to withdraw from political and organizational alliances, particularly Sumud, was unequivocal and would not be reversed. It said the move was intended to protect the syndicate’s unity, cohesion and independence.
The council stressed that withdrawing from alliances does not mean abandoning national and professional issues, including ending the war, protecting civilians, defending freedoms and human rights, and restoring democratic civilian rule.
It also said the syndicate could remain independent of political and organizational alliances while coordinating with elected trade union and civil society groups on shared issues, including ending the war, achieving peace, and preserving Sudan’s unity.
The council called on members to overcome the dispute and adhere to decisions approved by the syndicate’s institutions, describing unity and independence as essential to carrying out its professional and union functions.