Key Takeaways
- A coalition of Sudanese political groups and anti-war forces has formally demanded the international community classify the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Islamic Movement as terrorist organizations.
- The demand is part of a broader "Declaration of Principles for Building a New Homeland" signed in Nairobi, aiming to unify civilian forces against the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
- Signatories emphasize that an immediate cessation of hostilities and the achievement of a comprehensive political solution are an existential necessity for Sudan, rejecting military solutions.
- The declaration calls for the exclusion of the Islamic Movement and its allies from the political process, advocating for the rebuilding of state institutions and a single professional national army.
A broad coalition of Sudanese political groups and anti-war forces has issued a strong call for the international community to designate the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Islamic Movement as terrorist organizations. This demand is a central component of a legal memorandum accompanying the "Declaration of Principles for Building a New Homeland," signed recently in Nairobi. The signatories argue that such a classification is crucial for ending the protracted conflict in Sudan and safeguarding regional and international peace.
The declaration, signed by various political and civilian groups including the Sudan Liberation Movement, Sudanese Congress Party, and the National Umma Party, aims to unify civilian forces opposed to the war and restore a democratic path in Sudan. Participants in the Nairobi meeting stressed that the conflict, ongoing since April 2023, is no longer merely a political struggle but has become one of the country's bleakest chapters, marked by widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, the Sudanese forces that endorsed the "Sudanese Principles Declaration" have underscored that an immediate cessation of hostilities and the pursuit of a comprehensive political solution are an existential necessity that cannot be delayed. The declaration explicitly rejects a military solution to the conflict and calls for an immediate three-month ceasefire, linked to both humanitarian aid delivery and political negotiations.
The memorandum supporting the terrorist designation outlines several reasons, including accusations that the NCP/Islamic Movement seized power through military coups in 1989 and 2021, instigated the current war, and has a history of anti-democratic practices, genocide, and international crimes. The coalition asserts that this designation would significantly weaken the ability of these entities to finance violence, obstruct peace processes, and perpetuate instability in Sudan. The declaration also advocates for excluding the Islamic Movement and its allies from any future political processes, emphasizing the need to rebuild state institutions and establish a unified national army.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.