The 1971 Sudanese coup d'état is a short-lived communist-backed coup, led by Major Hashem al Atta, against the government of President Gaafar Nimeiry.
The coup takes place on July 19, 1971, toppling the government of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan, but fails to garner support either domestically or internationally.
After several days Nimeiry loyalists launch a counter-coup, freeing Nimeiry and toppling Atta's government.
Following the coup Nimeiry, pushed by Defense Minister Khalid Hassan Abbas, make moves to strengthen his rule, and by the end of the year ultimate authority has 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 will see their authority diminished, and by 1975 all but Abu al-Gasim Mohammed Ibrahim will have been forced out of government.
