Sudanese Communist Party
Encyclopedia
The Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) is a Communist political party
in the Republic of Sudan. Founded in 1946, it was a major force in Sudanese politics (and one of the two most influential Communist parties in the Arab world, with the Iraqi Communist Party
) until 1971, when military ruler Gaafar al-Nimeiry launched a wave of repression against the party after a failed coup
implicated the involvement of some Communist officers. Abdel Khaliq Mahjub
, Joseph Garang
, Alshafi Ahmed Elshikh, Babkir Elnour, Hashim Elatta (the best-known party leaders), were executed.
As of 2006, the SCP is led by Muhammad Ibrahim Nugud
and plays only a marginal role. Nugud however claims the party enjoys support from a wide section of Sudanese society, including "workers, farmers, students, women's groups, minority groups, in the Nuba Mountains
, in the South and in Darfur
." Human rights activist Suleman Hamid El Haj is the assistant secretary and spokesman for the party.
The SCP advocates a return to democratic rule and opposes the possible secession of Southern Sudan. The freer political climate has allowed the party to be more active since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Party leader Muhammad Ibrahim Nugud came out of two-decade hiding. Party members suffering during the decades of NIF rule had pleaded him to be more active but Nugud feared arrest. Nugud visited Juba, Southern Sudan
on 28 November 2008 for the first time in two decades at the invitation of Southern communists. The trip was aimed at “bolstering the activities of the SCP in southern Sudan”. He was received by SPLM Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Ann Itto.
The SCP and South African Communist Party
recently jointly launched the African Left Network meeting in order to facilitate greater corporation amongst African Communist parties.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in the Republic of Sudan. Founded in 1946, it was a major force in Sudanese politics (and one of the two most influential Communist parties in the Arab world, with the Iraqi Communist Party
Iraqi Communist Party
Since its foundation in 1934, the Iraqi Communist Party has dominated the left in Iraqi politics. It played a fundamental role in shaping the political history of Iraq between its foundation and the 1970s. The Party was involved in many of the most important national uprisings and demonstrations...
) until 1971, when military ruler Gaafar al-Nimeiry launched a wave of repression against the party after a failed coup
1971 Sudanese coup d'état
The 1971 Sudanese coup d'état was a short-lived communist-backed coup, led by Major Hashem al Atta, against the government of President Gaafar Nimeiry. The coup took place on 19 July 1971, toppling the government of Sudan, but was ultimately unsuccessful as the Nimeiry government was restored on 22...
implicated the involvement of some Communist officers. Abdel Khaliq Mahjub
Abdel Khaliq Mahjub
Abdel Khaliq Mahjub was a Sudanese politician.Mahjub was born in Omdurman. He was the Secretary General of the Sudanese Communist Party till his death by execution in Khartum during the Gaafar Nimeiry regime...
, Joseph Garang
Joseph Garang
Joseph Garang was a southern Sudanese politician in the 1960s. He was a member of the Sudanese Communist Party, and served as Minister of Southern Affairs in the Sudanese Government....
, Alshafi Ahmed Elshikh, Babkir Elnour, Hashim Elatta (the best-known party leaders), were executed.
As of 2006, the SCP is led by Muhammad Ibrahim Nugud
Muhammad Ibrahim Nugud
Muhammad Ibrahim Nugud is a Sudanese politician. He is the current leader and Secretary General of the Sudanese Communist Party. He succeeded Abdel Khaliq Mahjub after the latter's execution in 1971.- References :...
and plays only a marginal role. Nugud however claims the party enjoys support from a wide section of Sudanese society, including "workers, farmers, students, women's groups, minority groups, in the Nuba Mountains
Nuba Mountains
Nuba Mountains is an area located in South Kordofan, Sudan. The area is home to a group of indigenous ethnic groups known collectively as the Nuba peoples. In the 18th century, Nuba Mountains became home to the kingdom of Taqali that controlled the hills of the mountains until their defeat by...
, in the South and in Darfur
Darfur
Darfur is a region in western Sudan. An independent sultanate for several hundred years, it was incorporated into Sudan by Anglo-Egyptian forces in 1916. The region is divided into three federal states: West Darfur, South Darfur, and North Darfur...
." Human rights activist Suleman Hamid El Haj is the assistant secretary and spokesman for the party.
The SCP advocates a return to democratic rule and opposes the possible secession of Southern Sudan. The freer political climate has allowed the party to be more active since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Party leader Muhammad Ibrahim Nugud came out of two-decade hiding. Party members suffering during the decades of NIF rule had pleaded him to be more active but Nugud feared arrest. Nugud visited Juba, Southern Sudan
Juba, Sudan
Juba is the capital and largest city of the Republic of South Sudan. It also serves as the capital of Central Equatoria, the smallest of the ten states of South Sudan. The city is situated on the White Nile and functions as the seat and metropolis of Juba County.- Population :In 2005, Juba's...
on 28 November 2008 for the first time in two decades at the invitation of Southern communists. The trip was aimed at “bolstering the activities of the SCP in southern Sudan”. He was received by SPLM Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Ann Itto.
The SCP and South African Communist Party
South African Communist Party
South African Communist Party is a political party in South Africa. It was founded in 1921 as the Communist Party of South Africa by the joining together of the International Socialist League and others under the leadership of Willam H...
recently jointly launched the African Left Network meeting in order to facilitate greater corporation amongst African Communist parties.