Sudan’s al-Bashir extends truce to South Kordofan State

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) - President Omar al-Bashir has extended a ceasefire to Sudan’s troubled South Kordofan State amid ongoing countrywide demonstrations against his regime.

Addressing thousands of supporters in Kadugli, South Kordofan’s regional capital, al-Bashir on Monday promised to bring peace to the conflict-prone region.

“I am committed to restoring peace in South Kordofan,” he said, expressing his readiness to speak directly to local rebel groups in South Kordofan’s city of Kauda, considered a rebel stronghold.

“Our enemies want to sabotage the peace process in South Kordofan, especially as it pertains to the Nuba Mountains, where Arabs and Nubians have historically lived together in peace,” the president said.

Al-Bashir made the assertions amid ongoing nationwide protests against his 30-year rule.

Government officials say some 30 people have been killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces since the protests erupted in mid-December.

Spokesmen for the Sudanese opposition, however, say the number is closer to 50.

Last week saw Sudan’s embattled president visit the country’s troubled Darfur region.