THE Sudanese Communist Party (SCP) warned of foreign interference, including the funding of an armed militia, in a threat to the “peaceful revolution” as opposition forces seek an end to military rule.

In a letter to the African Union, European Union and international media, the SCP claimed it had “confirmed reports” of the activities of the Rapid Support Forces — a paramilitary group formerly known as the Janjaweed, a notorious armed militia used to crush anti-government protests in Darfur.

“Our reports confirm that RSF have been receiving financial, logistical and perhaps even military support from some foreign governments,” it claimed.

The SCP said it viewed any attempts to reinforce the RSF as “a direct threat to our peaceful revolution and a means of aborting the dream millions of Sudanese young people have of a civilian authority in our country.

“It is a dangerous and irresponsible move that puts not just the Sudan, but the region as a whole on the verge of total chaos and war.”

It also criticised the “gross interference” of foreign governments and companies in the internal politics of the country which the SCP warned was “driven by their own self-interests” and in direct conflict with the Sudanese people.

The Sudanese revolution started in December last year, initially sparked by a tripling of the price of bread.

It soon grew into a broad movement for change, headed by the Sudanese Professionals Association — an umbrella group of lawyers, doctors, trade unions and opposition parties including the SCP.

Authoritarian president Omar al-Bashir stood down in April after being in power for 30 years, but there has since been a political deadlock with the Military Transitional Council refusing to relinquish power.

Negotiations have stalled and the SCP has called for “strike action and mass protest” to force the military junta to listen to the demands of the Sudanese people.