The Sudanese Anti-War Forces have issued a memorandum calling for the formal designation of the National Congress Party (NCP), the Sudanese Islamic Movement (IM), and their affiliates as a terrorist organization, arguing that such a step is essential to ending the war in Sudan and safeguarding regional and international peace.
In the memorandum, the coalition states that its position is grounded in a commitment to peace, democratic civilian transition, and the realization of the goals of Sudan’s December Revolution, as well as alignment with global efforts to combat terrorism and resolve the ongoing conflict.
Legacy of Authoritarian Rule and Conflict
According to the memorandum, the Sudanese Islamic Movement and its political arms—including the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamic Charter Front, the National Islamic Front, and ultimately the National Congress Party—established a totalitarian regime that ruled Sudan for three decades (1989–2019). The coalition asserts that this regime was overthrown by a popular revolution that rejected its exclusionary, repressive, and authoritarian governance.
The document further claims that members of the NCP/IM are actively involved in the current conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023, describing the war as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises and a direct assault on Sudan’s democratic transition.
Grounds for Terrorist Designation
The memorandum outlines several reasons for the proposed designation:
Anti-Democratic and Coup-Oriented Practices:
The coalition accuses the NCP/IM of seizing power through military coups, notably in 1989 and 2021, and of instigating the current war to derail civilian rule. It argues that the movement’s ideology rejects pluralism and criminalizes dissent.
Genocide and International Crimes:
The document cites allegations of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in regions including Darfur, South Sudan, the Nuba Mountains, and the Blue Nile. It references International Criminal Court arrest warrants against former regime leaders, including Omar al-Bashir.
Sponsorship and Export of Terrorism:
The memorandum alleges that Sudan, under the Islamic Movement’s rule, became a hub for transnational terrorism, including hosting al-Qaeda. It refers to past international legal findings linking the regime to major terrorist attacks in the region.
Regional Interventionism:
The coalition accuses the movement of interfering in the internal affairs of neighboring countries, contributing to regional instability across parts of East, Central, and North Africa.
Discrimination and Ideological Extremism:
The memorandum describes the movement as fascist and discriminatory, asserting that its ideology undermines equality based on religion, ethnicity, gender, and tribe, with severe consequences for social cohesion and women’s rights.
Systemic Corruption:
The document claims the NCP/IM institutionalized corruption, dismantled accountability mechanisms, and used state resources to finance violence and patronage networks.
Obstruction of Peace Efforts:
The coalition argues that the movement has consistently undermined peace initiatives, using negotiations tactically while reigniting conflict through coups and armed confrontation.
Call to the International Community
The Sudanese Anti-War Forces contend that formally designating the NCP/IM and its affiliates as a terrorist organization would significantly weaken their ability to finance violence, obstruct peace processes, and perpetuate instability. They argue that such a step is not merely political or ideological, but a legal and moral necessity based on documented actions.
The memorandum concludes by emphasizing that this designation would help protect civilians, support a civilian democratic transition in Sudan, and contribute to regional and international peace and security.
