The Chairperson of the African Union or AU Commission welcomed the release of former Prime Minister of Sudan and UMMA party leader Sadiq Al Mahdi on June 15.
Al Mahdi was arrested on May 17 after making public statements regarding the role of the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur region.
Nkosozana Dlamini-Zuma in a statement on Tuesday said the decision was a step to the right direction to create a conducive atmosphere to the successful conduct of the National Dialogue Initiative President Omar Al Bashir announced in January.
She reiterated AU’s support to the Initiative and appealed to the government to ensure protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of Sudanese.
She called on all concerned parties to desist from actions that would threaten the dialogue and recommit to a transparent, inclusive and holistic process that would ensure stability, democracy and development in the Sudan.
Dr Zuma reiterated AU’s continuous commitment to assist the Government and people of the Sudan to address challenges facing their country through dialogue.