Sudanese communists prepare for fifth convention

September 23, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) has finalized preparatory reports and set to determine the date of its fifth congress which would be held forty years after its last convention.

Founded in 1946, the SCP was a major force in Sudanese politics until 1971, when former president Gaafar al-Nimeiry launched a wave of repression against the party after escaping a foiled coup where some communist officers had been involved.

Since the SCP is led by Mohamed Ibrahim Nugud and plays only a slight role. It advocates a return to democratic rule and separation between religion and politics. In the past the party was targeted by the Sudanese Islamists who considered it as their main political foe.

Shafei Khidir, the head of the preparatory committee for the fifth congress told Sudan Tribune that all the subcommittees charged with the different works for the convention have finalized their papers and they are now distributed to the members of the party.

He also mentioned that the SCP leadership has to determine the date of the congress within two months since the distribution and the discussion of the convention documents by the membership.

In accordance with the comprehensive Peace Agreement, the country should witness general elections in the second party of 2009. The different political forces prepare for these elections but most of the opposition forces face structural and material difficulties due to the long years of clandestinity.

The fifth congress which the first since the fall of the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries would discuss a new constitution and political project that should mark a radical change in the history of the Sudanese Communist Party.

However the old guard in the party would be expected to resist such a move.

Asked wither the name of the party would be changed, Khidir underlined that the congress has to debate the issue but he could not determine that. However, he added that according to the proposed papers the SCP would not be seen as the vanguard of the working class but the party of all the exploited strata in Sudan without distinction between workers and others.

With regard to the organization of the Sudanese state, the party also would reaffirm its commitment to the parliamentary regime and call for a collegial and rotation presidency where the different regions should be represented.

Khidir further said the SCP supports the CPA and the fact that southern Sudan should be considered as one entity, however for the rest of the country the party calls to re-implement the former Administrative system where Darfur was considered as one administrative unit.

The convention would be public and all the democratic and friendly forces would be invited to participate, the leading SCP member said.

(ST)