The National Congress Party: A Clash of Ideas or a Struggle for Power?
The Face of Truth
Ibrahim Shglawi
The Sudanese political arena witnessed a divergence of opinions last week regarding the convening of the Shura Council of the National Congress Party (NCP), which is officially considered dissolved according to measures taken by the Empowerment Removal Committee following the December 2019 revolution. However, party leaders argue that these measures are null and void, as they did not provide an opportunity for appeal to complete the legal process, citing the absence of the Constitutional Court. Additionally, they highlight that the decision to dissolve the party was taken by a political committee.
This debate—whether to dissolve the party or transition to a new one to escape its previous burdens—was not merely an incidental event but opened the door to deeper questions about the nature of the conflict within the party. Is it a clash of ideas over future directions, or just a traditional power struggle between different factions?
The fact is that internal and external political pressures have significantly impacted the party, leading to disputes among its leaders over pivotal issues. Among the most prominent of these issues is the characterization of the change that occurred in April 2019—was it a coup or a fabricated revolution? Additionally, there are disagreements over the party’s approach to state governance, as well as its economic and social policies.
These differences were evident in multiple instances, including the leadership crisis that emerged with the insistence on nominating President Bashir for 2020, and in issues such as managing U.S. sanctions, normalizing relations with Israel, and supporting Hamas. Some of these internal challenges were addressed by default after Bashir’s fall, but external relations and political strategies remain critical areas requiring comprehensive attention to ensure the party’s stability, develop its mechanisms, and enhance its ability to adapt to current changes.
The Post-Revolution Reality
The volatile political landscape created by the December Revolution has had a profound impact on all political forces, including the NCP and the Islamist movement in general. The revolution reshaped Sudan’s political map and opened the door to regional and international interventions, exploiting the fragile domestic situation.
These developments have reduced the role of the NCP but also underscored the party’s urgent need to develop a strategy that aligns with the aspirations of its members and the Sudanese people. They also necessitate addressing the challenges imposed by the transitional period. This reality has perhaps created a new dynamic, leading to the emergence of conflicting factions between “reform and renewal” and “traditionalism and conservatism.”
Observers believe that this internal interaction may signify a transitional phase preceding the birth of a new chapter for the party.
Competing Factions
According to observers, what is happening within the NCP is natural given the current challenges and might even be considered a positive structural evolution in the party’s strategic outlook. There are now two main factions:
The Reformist and Renewal Faction: Advocates for change and adaptation to the new domestic and regional conditions. This faction seeks to establish constructive engagement with the international and regional communities, emphasizing the need for flexible policies to preserve the Sudanese state’s stability, free from external interventions and conflicts, while ensuring the party’s active presence in the political scene.
The Traditionalist and Conservative Faction: Clings to previous policies, rejecting change and striving to revert to the pre-revolution status quo. However, observers believe this faction has weak prospects for survival or in meeting the aspirations of Islamists, as it was part of the downfall and collapsed alongside the regime.
The Party’s Future Between Domestic and Foreign Issues
This conflict extends beyond internal orientations and is reflected in foreign policy issues. The party’s future depends on its ability to overcome these divisions or perhaps coexist with them internally, as part of an ideological struggle similar to the Iranian experience, which oscillates between conservatives and reformists while maintaining the unity of the organization as a strategic goal.
Concerns Over the NCP’s Return
There is growing concern among some political parties regarding the presence of the NCP and Islamist factions in general in the political scene, especially those opposed to the current transitional government, which some label a “de facto government.” These fears have escalated with Islamists’ support for the military and their ability to mobilize non-aligned Sudanese youth to defend the country during the current war, bringing the NCP back into the spotlight and perhaps restoring confidence in it.
Some believe that integrating the NCP and Islamists into the political dialogue is necessary to prevent the military from monopolizing power and to ensure balance in the political scene.
Political Dialogue as a Necessity
Otherwise, the military may unilaterally shape post-war governance, in line with repeated statements by Lieutenant General Yasser Al-Atta, Assistant to the Army Commander-in-Chief, who declared, “The army will manage the post-war scene through a government of national competencies.” This scenario is becoming increasingly likely given the fragmentation of political parties and their inability to unite, coupled with the Sudanese people’s prioritization of security and peace.
Amidst these complexities, Sudanese-Sudanese political dialogue emerges as a fundamental solution to address deep-seated divisions. Opening communication channels between various Sudanese political forces without exception is crucial.
Conclusion
Only comprehensive political dialogue can contribute to stabilizing the country and forming an inclusive government that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people. Hence, the face of truth lies in recognizing that the way this conflict is managed will determine Sudan’s future. This necessitates a thorough understanding of its components and dimensions, coupled with efforts to find solutions that serve the public interest.
The NCP’s success in this phase hinges on making sound political decisions that account for the current complexities and prioritize stability and prosperity as primary goals.
Wishing you well.
Shglawi55@gmail.com