NCP says “Sudanese Spring” over Heglig silenced opposition
April 29, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The governing National Congress Party (NCP) on Sunday referred to the street celebrations that erupted in the aftermath of the takeover of Heglig area by the army as the “Sudanese Spring” that silenced opposition.
The NCP claims to be enjoying overwhelming solidarity by the Sudanese public as a result of the brief occupation of Heglig oil-producing area by the army of neighboring South Sudan three weeks ago.
State media broadcast footage of massive crowds pouring to the streets in celebration of Heglig takeover by the Sudanese army on Friday, 20 April.
According to the NCP’s political secretary, Hasabu Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, the scenes were evidence of a “Sudanese spring” that silenced voices of internal dissent.
He further voiced confidence that the Sudanese opposition is not able to mobilise people because they have given it clear answers as to where their national interests lie.
The NCP official warned the opposition that the issues of present concern do not accept “neutrality, vagueness or collaboration with foreigners.”
The occupation of Heglig allowed the NCP to declare nation-wide mobilisation and intimidate opposition parties with accusations of treachery if they don’t support the war in unequivocal terms.
Opposition activists are concerned that the NCP’s war-time powers will justify increased crackdown on dissent. A state of emergency has been announced along the states border South Sudan and the constitution has been suspended.
The NCP is particularly suspicious of the Sudanese Communist Party and the Popular Congress Party (PCP) of the veteran Islamist Hassan Al-Turabi. NCP’s vice-chairman Nafie Ali Nafie has already accused the two of being “soft” in condemning the occupation of Heglig.
(ST)