PFF SETS OUT CONDITIONS FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE, DEMANDS NEUTRAL CONVENOR AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS

BM TV Africa | Political News

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has outlined a firm position on the proposed National Dialogue, insisting that any meaningful engagement must be structured, inclusive, impartial and guided by mutually agreed principles.

In its statement, the PFF emphasises that the proposed National Dialogue must be a genuine process aimed at addressing the country's challenges rather than an arrangement designed to impose predetermined positions or serve the interests of particular political actors.

The party has outlined five fundamental conditions that it believes must be met before it can participate in any national dialogue.

1. A Neutral Convenor

The PFF insists that the person or institution responsible for convening the dialogue must be neutral and acceptable to all participating parties. It argues that the convenor cannot be someone regarded as part of the oppressive structures against which some stakeholders are seeking dialogue.

2. An Agreed Agenda

The party maintains that the agenda must be collectively developed and agreed upon by all participating parties. It rejects any attempt to impose or dictate the issues to be discussed, arguing that genuine dialogue requires equal participation in determining its priorities.

3. Inclusive Participation

The PFF also demands clarity about who will participate in the process. It wants representation that reflects the interests of all relevant stakeholders, including political parties, cultural and religious institutions, non-governmental organisations, Gen Zs, women and special interest groups (SIGs).

According to the party, a national dialogue cannot be considered legitimate if important sections of society are excluded.

4. A Credible Guarantor for Implementation

Another key demand is the appointment of an agreed-upon and credible guarantor to ensure that resolutions reached during the dialogue are followed up and implemented.

The PFF appears concerned that dialogue should not become another exercise in political promises without tangible outcomes. Agreements must translate into meaningful action.

5. A Neutral Venue

The party further insists that the dialogue must take place at a known, neutral venue, free from undue influence. It argues that the environment in which discussions take place is important in establishing trust among participants.

DEMAND FOR RELEASE OF POLITICAL PRISONERS

Beyond these five conditions, the PFF has made the unconditional release of all political prisoners a key confidence-building measure ahead of the proposed engagement.

It also demands that legitimate political leaders be given the opportunity to participate in the process, suggesting that meaningful national dialogue cannot take place while political actors remain excluded or detained.

NO DIALOGUE WITHOUT THESE CONDITIONS

The PFF concludes that without these fundamental requirements, it cannot participate in any engagement presented as a National Dialogue.

Its position raises important questions about the credibility, inclusiveness and ultimate purpose of the proposed process. For a national dialogue to command public confidence, participating stakeholders must have faith in the convenor, the agenda, the representation, the implementation mechanisms and the neutrality of the venue.

Ultimately, the PFF's message is that national dialogue must be more than a political gathering or public relations exercise. It must be a structured process built on trust, equality, accountability and a genuine commitment to addressing the country's challenges.

The party concludes with its slogan:

"FREEDOM FOR ALL – ALL FOR FREEDOM."

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