The Emergence and Development of National Congress Party in Sudan (1998-2005)

Abstract

The paper analyses the emergence of the National Congress Party (N.C.P.) within the context of the recent political history of Sudan in post 1989 era. The date marks the time when Islamists in Sudan assumed power following a coup d’état led by General Omer Al-Bashir, latter on came to be known as the Ingaz regime. The significance of the experience of this Party emanates from the fact that, though it started as a one ruling party, it managed to conclude in 2005 the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (C.P.A.) a major peace agreement ending one of the longest internal wars in Africa. The Agreement was included in the Constitution of the country, consequently hosting Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the movement which led the rebellion to become a partner party/movement in the rule of the country. The paper reflects on this power sharing experience during the Interim Period up to 2011 wherein the Referendum on Self-determination of South Sudan resulted in dividing the Country into two sovereign states.