NCP dissolution offers respite to Sudan’s government

Subject

Dissolution of Sudan's former ruling party.

Significance

The transitional government on November 28 approved a law dissolving the National Congress Party (NCP), the former ruling party that held power since 1989 under deposed President Omar al-Bashir. The dissolution responds to a key demand of the protesters who forced the NCP and Bashir out of power. It also provides some temporary relief for a transitional government burdened by huge expectations and challenges on all sides.

Impacts

• The new law is based on accountability but will not be a substitute for criminal justice proceedings against former NCP officials.
• Although the committee is not mandated to investigate individual responsibility for crimes, its work may inform criminal investigations.
• Tracing NCP assets may prove challenging given the number of deals that were transacted in cash.