Mobilising in the shadows: How AKEL survived and thrived during Cyprus’ colonial crisis

The story of the Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL) during the colonial era in Cyprus  colonial era is as much about survival as it is about resilience and reinvention. During the late 1950s, as Cyprus became embroiled in anti-colonial conflict and nationalist fervor, AKEL navigated a dangerous path as a banned organization. While nationalist forces headed by the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA) pursued armed struggle to further their goal of an end to British rule and a union with Greece, AKEL chose a different route—one rooted in mass political mobilization, underground operations, and a vision for an inclusive, post-colonial Cyprus.

Our new article, ‘Mobilizing Underground: The Case of the Cypriot Communist Party AKEL in Colonial Cyprus (1955-59)’, provides a fresh account of this pivotal moment in Cypriot history, and will be of interest to anyone fascinated by the inner workings of clandestine organizations and the broader history of left-wing political movements. The article documents the experiences of a ‘party under siege’ and the challenges it faced as an illegal organisation.

British colonial authorities declared AKEL banned organisation in December 1955. This was not merely a symbolic act: the consequence was that many party leaders were arrested, its newspapers suppressed, and its infrastructure dismantled.  However, instead of collapsing, AKEL adapted to these new, unpromising circumstances. Drawing on lessons from its predecessor, the Communist Party of Cyprus, and advice from fraternal organizations like the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), AKEL swiftly reorganized.

In the Shadows

Operating in the shadows, AKEL adopted a cell-based structure, with the epagripnisi (intelligence unit) playing a pivotal role in ensuring secrecy and protecting members. This unit established hideouts, printed propaganda, and even orchestrated daring prison escapes. Their tactics were effective but also innovative. For example, conspiratorial regulations advised members to destroy notes immediately, disguise meetings as family gatherings, and even chew and swallow sensitive documents if necessary.

Even though forced underground, AKEL refused to be silenced. Within two months of being banned, it launched Haravgi (Dawn), a newspaper that became its way of reaching the public . The newspaper communicated the party’s stance but also mobilised support among workers and rural communities. Remarkably, Haravgi achieved a circulation of 17,000 daily copies by 1958, more than its nationalist rivals.

AKEL also orchestrated mass protests, strikes, and demonstrations, advocating for self-determination and condemning colonial oppression. These actions showcased the party’s resilience and its commitment to peaceful political struggle, even as it was attacked by the British colonial authorities and EOKA.

AKEL and EOKA

AKEL’s fraught relationship with EOKA, the nationalist movement leading the armed struggle for enosis (union with Greece), had important consequences. While both movements sought to end British colonial rule, their visions for Cyprus diverged sharply. AKEL’s inclusive ideology, which emphasized unity between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, clashed with EOKA’s exclusionary nationalism. EOKA waged a targeted campaign of violence against AKEL members, including assassinations and widespread intimidation. Yet despite these provocations, AKEL resisted retaliating, instead maintaining its focus on mass political mobilization.

Underpinning AKEL’s resilience was a network of unsung heroes and heroines, particularly  women and youth activists. Women played crucial roles as couriers, smuggling messages and documents hidden in clothing, while youth activists were instrumental in distributing propaganda and organising strikes. Their ingenuity and courage under constant surveillance offer a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to sustain an underground movement.

AKEL’s survival was not achieved in isolation. The party maintained close ties with the KKE and, later, the Soviet Union. These connections provided organisational advice, ideological guidance, and even technical support, such as printing equipment and training. AKEL also drew on the support of the Cypriot diaspora in Britain, which was important for internationalising its cause and rallying global support against British colonialism.

Legacy

The years as an illegal organisation left an indelible mark on AKEL. The underground culture of centralisation and secrecy, though essential for survival, shaped the party’s operations, even after the ban was ended. While these traits fostered loyalty and discipline, they also created challenges for internal democracy. Yet, AKEL’s ability to adapt and thrive under extreme conditions solidified its position as a major political force in post-independence Cyprus.

‘Mobilizing Underground’ is therefore more than a historical account—it’s a window into the dynamics of political survival, the interplay between ideology and strategy, and the resilience of a movement-party. By exploring AKEL’s experience, the article sheds light on broader questions: how do political organizations adapt under repression? What strategies enable them to maintain relevance and influence? And what lessons can today’s movements learn from AKEL’s remarkable story?