1971 Sudanese coup d'état

The 1971 Sudanese coup d'état was a short-lived communist-backed coup, led by Major Hashem al Atta, one of the founding members of the free officers organization that carried out a coup two years prior, against the government of President Gaafar Nimeiry. The coup took place on 19 July 1971, toppling the government of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan, but failed to garner support either domestically or internationally. After several days Nimeiry loyalists launched a counter-coup, freeing Nimeiry and toppling Atta's government.

1971 Sudanese coup d'état
Part of the Cold War and the Arab Cold War

Hashem al Atta under arrest on 22 July, following the counter-coup by Nimeiry loyalists.
Date19–22 July 1971
Location
Khartoum, Sudan
15.633333°N 32.533333°E / 15.633333; 32.533333
Result

Coup attempt fails

  • Nimeiry government restored
  • Anti-communist purges by government forces
  • Execution of rebelling officers
  • Execution of several SCP leaders
  • Consolidation of Nimeiry's control
Belligerents

Democratic Republic of the Sudan

  • National Revolutionary Command Council
  • Loyalist military units
Libya

Revolutionary Council

  • Sudanese Communist Party
  • Rebel military units
Commanders and leaders
Gaafar Nimeiry
Khalid Hassan Abbas

Maj. Hashem al Atta 
Col. Babikir al-Nur Osman
Maj. Farouk Hamadallah
Col. Abdel Moneim Mohamed Ahmed 
Lt. Col. Osman Hussein
Cpt. Muawaiya Abdul Hay

Abdel Khaliq Mahjub 
Location within Sudan.

Following the coup Nimeiry, pushed by Defense Minister Khalid Hassan Abbas, made moves to strengthen his rule, and by the end of the year ultimate authority had transferred from the multi-member Revolutionary Command Council to the Presidency, held by Nimeiry. Over the next several years, the remaining former members of the RCC would see their authority diminished, and by 1975 all but Abu al-Gasim Mohammed Ibrahim had been forced out of government.

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