Sudan’s President, Omar al-Bashir has ordered the immediate release of all political prisoners held in the country.

The Sudanese State News Agency (SUNA) reports that the decision was in response to calls from political parties and groups that have participated in the country’s ongoing national dialogue to grant political detainees the opportunity to engage in the political process.

Bashir, who has ruled the country since 1989 when he came into power via an Islamist and military-backed coup has said he will not contest in the country’s next election slated to hold in 2020.

“The release of political prisoners comes to strengthen the spirit of reconciliation, national harmony and peace created by the national dialogue and as part of steps to prepare a permanent constitution for the country,” SUNA said.

Since 2015, Bashir has been in ongoing talks with opposition and rebel groups in the national dialogue as part of  measures to end longstanding conflicts in warring regions such as Darfur.

Many political groups have however boycotted the initiative, demanding that Bashir first repealled what they described as repressive security and press laws and free all political detainees.

SUNA could  not specify how many political prisoners the recent order would affect but Bashir had in March ordered the release of about 80 prisoners who were arrested during the countrywide protests over escalating food prices and ongoing austerity measures.