On the anniversary of the March – April 1985 uprising
-Salute to the martyrs of the struggle for democracy and national sovereignty.
-The widest popular coalition to stop the war and reclaim the revolution.
The 39th anniversary of the March-April uprising, which toppled the absolute rule that seized democracy, betrayed national sovereignty, and succumbed to the harsh conditions of the International Monetary Fund by devaluing the Sudanese pound and withdrawing support for essential goods, leading to economic hardship. The increases in fuel prices sparked the revolution on March 26, 1985.
The uprising was the culmination of accumulated popular resistance, crowned by a general political strike and civil disobedience. It could have moved towards achieving its goals in fulfilling the tasks of the transitional period, consolidating democracy, peacefully solving the problem of the South, improving economic and living conditions, and protecting national sovereignty, but the military intervention led by General Swar al-Dahab blocked its path. Elections were held a year later with a “flawed” electoral law that allowed the Muslim Brotherhood to rig the election. Even after the rigging, they did not tolerate democracy and orchestrated their disastrous coup on June 30, 1989, which abrogated freedoms and basic rights, destroyed the country and its people, enabled the parasitic Islamic capitalist looting of the country’s assets and resources, and betrayed national sovereignty and the country’s lands and wealth. Our people resisted until the December 2018 revolution, which led to the sit-in of the General Command on April 6, 2019, the anniversary of the fall of the dictator Nimeiry, and the overthrow of the regime on April 11th after the coup of the Security Committee blocked the path of the revolution.
The uprising underscores the critical importance of adhering to its charter and accomplishing the objectives set forth during the transitional period. Key priorities include solidifying civilian democratic governance and halting the infernal cycle of military coups that has plagued the nation for 57 of its 67 years of independence.
The anniversary of the uprising coincides with the grim realities of ongoing conflict, now nearing its first year, highlighting the urgent need for its cessation and prevention of future recurrence. Addressing the peril of the country’s division is imperative, as is safeguarding Sudan from becoming a focal point of regional and international conflicts aimed at exploiting its resources and destabilizing Africa. The devastating war has resulted in widespread destruction, displacing millions both internally and externally, with thousands dead or injured. Tragically, it has also witnessed genocide, ethnic cleansing, and rampant sexual violence, causing irreparable harm to infrastructure, essential services, education, health facilities, and cultural heritage sites. Agricultural production disruptions further compound the crisis, leaving an alarming 25 million Sudanese at risk of food insecurity, as reported by the United Nations.
Moreover, the ongoing war is orchestrated to suppress the revolution and reinstate the ousted regime with its oppressive policies, while systematically exploiting the nation’s resources through illicit smuggling activities. This flagrant disregard for national sovereignty also entails the egregious violation of fundamental rights and freedoms, exemplified by the arbitrary arrest and torture of political figures, members of resistance committees, and service committees by both sides of the conflict. Additionally, the dismantling of vital community organizations such as resistance committees and service committees, along with the severe restriction of communication channels and internet access, further exacerbates the crisis. The conflict also perpetuates atrocities such as the ongoing genocide in Darfur and the Jazeera region. Both warring factions are driven by the insidious motive to pillage valuable land, gold, and other mineral resources, while also seeking to sell off the nation’s assets, lands, and ports.
The outbreak of war stemmed from the Security Committee’s coup, obstructing the momentum of the December revolution, compounded by international intervention imposing a flawed constitutional document cementing a partnership with the military and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Although the RSF gained constitutional legitimacy, the conflict was further fueled by the October 25, 2021 coup, which annulled the constitutional document.
Following substantial popular resistance, international intervention compelled the implementation of the Framework Agreement, re-establishing the partnership, formalizing the role of the RSF, and endorsing the Juba Agreement. However, discord between the army and the RSF regarding the timeline for integration into the army ignited tensions, ultimately resulting in armed conflict.
Hence, it is crucial to avoid settlements and tenuous agreements that revive alliances with the military and RSF while sidestepping accountability, as such actions only perpetuate the cycle of crisis and conflict. Recent revelations regarding the “Manama Agreement,” which advocates for a renewed partnership between the army and RSF, underscore the need for transparency and vigorous opposition to prevent its implementation.
Finally, as we mark the anniversary of the uprising and approach the conclusion of the war’s first year, we urge for broader celebrations and reflection on the significance of the uprising. Additionally, we call for:
- Bring an end to the war and reclaim the revolution.
- Remove the military and RSF from politics and the economy, and introduce security arrangements to dissolve the RSF and militias of the National Congress Party and the armies of other movements, establishing a unified National Professional Army under civilian government supervision.
- Dismantle the previous regime, reclaim the country’s looted funds, and transfer the enterprises of the army, RSF, security, and police to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.
- ensure accountability for war criminals and those who committed crimes against humanity.
- Improve economic, living, and security conditions, return displaced people to their homes and villages, and mitigate the effects of the war.
- Consolidate civilian democratic governance.
- Safeguard national sovereignty, follow balanced external relations, and protect the country’s resources from plunder.
- Realize the remaining goals of the revolution and the transitional period.
Political Bureau
Sudanese Communist Party
March 20, 2024
Photo: By Osama Elfaki – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87487699
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