Category: Statements

Weekly Policy Statement

July 17, 2025 

 

Horror in Bara and a Death Trap in El Fasher: Recent Escalations in Sudan

 

In the past week, the ongoing atrocities in Sudan have intensified dramatically. Over the weekend, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) massacred over 450 civilians in North Kordofan villages, near Bara. These villages had no military presence, confirming a deliberate campaign of ethnic slaughter targeting non-Arab civilians. This intensified fighting in the region of North Kordofan forced more than 3,000 people to flee, with no access to humanitarian aid, compounding the displacement crisis across the region. 

 

As we receive reports of RSF forces mobilizing to launch an assault on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, the danger to civilians escalates rapidly. Meanwhile, in El Fasher, RSF’s relentless siege and imposed starvation continues to trap and kill innocent people.  also continues to be another center of fighting, and civilians continue to be targeted. These attacks show a coordinated, escalating effort to annihilate civilians through starvation, shelling, and displacement. Heavy floods now worsen famine and accelerate the spread of cholera, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe and killing many more in silence.

 

Horror in Bara 

Over the weekend, RSF killed more than 450 civilians, including at least 24 boys, 11 girls, and two pregnant women, in and around the city of Bara in North Kordofan State. We fear that the actual death toll may be higher, with the number of people still reported missing while there is no reliable means of communication. This is a marked escalation of violence. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, condemned these atrocities, saying they show a “complete disregard for human life, international humanitarian law, and the most basic principles of humanity.” 

 

The violence of these attacks was horrific. The RSF burned civilians alive in their homes, looted properties, slaughtered livestock, and buried victims in mass graves. These massacres targeted civilians in villages confirmed to be free of any military targets. These attacks were ethnically charged and criminal. Targeted villages include: Al-Kurdi, Shaq Al-Noum, Umm Dam Haj Ahmed, Shaq al-Num, Umm Nabq, Fuja, Jakowa, Mashqa, Jabrat Al-Sheikh, Bara, and Hilla Hamid.

 

Other Recent Atrocities and Escalations 

On July 13th, the SAF launched an airstrike in Al-Fula, West Kordofan, on residential areas and markets. This attack killed 23 and wounded over 30 civilians. This was clear targeting of civilians and a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The same day, In Abu Zabad, West Kordofan, another SAF airstrike on shelters killed eight people, including three children. This attack targeted a displacement center, and is yet another flagrant violation of humanitarian law. 

 

From July 14th-15th, heavy rains and flooding displaced more than 400 people and destroyed dozens of homes in North Darfur’s Dar As Salam locality. Displaced families now shelter with host communities, but urgently lack survival  resources. The rainy season is worsening the humanitarian disaster, as DWAG has long warned.

 

On July 15th and 16th, the RSF siege of El Fasher continued with shelling that killed five children. RSF also murdered 6 people at the Naivasha market, inside the famine-stricken Abu Shouk displacement camp. 

 

Women’s Health and Education in Crisis

Displaced women across West and South Kordofan report alarming rates of miscarriages, driven by malnutrition, lack of essential vaccines, and vitamin deficiencies. The health sector has collapsed entirely. Safiya Al-Ubaid, a resident, stated, “The situation has deteriorated to an unprecedented level after the Rapid Support Forces invaded the city. The health sector has collapsed as a result of looting and the displacement of medical personnel.”

 

Refugee Crises 

To make matters worse, on July 15th, Ugandan authorities announced the suspension of processing dual citizenship applications for citizens of certain origins, including Sudanese, based on direct presidential directives. DWAG expresses concern about this new development. We greatly appreciate the Ugandan government and the people for welcoming Sudanese and we implore them to continue to protect Sudanese refugees fleeing genocide and understand that they deserve protection, not rejection.

 

In a Libyan refugee camp, the education crisis is clear. Sudanese children remain locked out of formal education due to documentation requirements and bureaucratic inflexibility. Entire generations risk losing their futures while the international system fails to adapt.

 

Escalating Famine, Malnutrition, and Public Health Collapse

On July 10th, UNICEF reported a 46% increase in children treated for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Darfur, compared to last year. East Darfur’s malnutrition rates are at 28%, dangerously close to the famine threshold of 30%. Children with SAM require immediate, intensive treatment or risk death. SAM cases increased by over 70% in North Kordofan, 174% in Khartoum, and 683% in Al Jazirah state. These statistics reflect not just neglect but orchestrated deprivation. These children’s lives depend on our actions. 

 

At the same time, the cholera epidemic is surging. On July 13th, South Darfur State announced 8 new cholera cases and 1 death, bringing the total number of cases since May 27 to 374, and the total number of deaths to 29. In North Kordofan, one person died and 45 new cholera cases were recorded, bringing the number of cases to 89. The collapse of public health systems in Sudan means that cholera cases will continue to rise, unless urgent medical intervention arrives now.

 

DWAG’s Urgent Demands to the International Community 

In the face of deepening atrocities and worsening humanitarian catastrophe, the international community bears responsibility and must step up effort to save lives. The systemic RSF attacks on civilians in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, are not isolated incidents. It’s a part of a long standing policy of deliberate attacks on innocent people based on their ethnicities and it must be stopped. These violations must be investigated and the perpetrators must be held accountable. The suffering of the people of Sudan has been allowed to go on for far too long. International institutions, especially UN agencies, must meet their obligations to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to reach all in need across Sudan. We must make it known that the people of Sudan face dire humanitarian conditions and an increasing deprivation of their most basic rights. We call on the international community to take the following actions: 

 

  • Authorize urgent and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for all in need across Sudan;
  • Swiftly authorize and deploy civilian protection forces to protect the innocent Sudanese people, particularly in Darfur; 
  • Press the warring parties to stop the torture, murder, rape, and starvation of civilians as a strategy of war;
  • Demand that the warring parties to immediately cease all attacks and strictly adhere to a permanent, verifiable ceasefire;
  • Impose  criminal and financial accountability for all individuals and states complicit in committing past and present genocide and war crimes in Sudan; 
  • U.S., UNSC, and allies must hold the regional and international enablers supplying weapons to the warring parties in Sudan accountable; 
  • US and allies must cease the selling of arms to the UAE and prevent genocide in Sudan.

 

As this genocide intensifies, we issue this urgent plea to the global community: Act now! We demand justice. We demand protection. And we demand the world stop looking away.

 

Please join our Stand with Sudan campaign to take action, support the life saving effort  and rally others to be a voice for the people of Sudan. The time to act is now. 

 

With our collective effort we can ease the suffering, compel our leaders to act and hold those responsible accountable.  

 

With Gratitude,

 

Niemat Ahmadi, 

DWAG President 

Weekly Policy Statement

June 9, 2025 

 

Dying in Silence in Darfur and Nowhere To Go!

Mass Murder, Acute Famine, and Protection Crises Increase at an Alarming Rate

In recent weeks Rapid Support Force (RSF)’s violent attacks have escalated, and the  humanitarian crisis in Sudan has worsened. Famine has reached a breaking point, especially in Darfur where civilians have been forced to flee, however some remain under siege with minimal to no survival means.  Attacks on civilians and the blockade of humanitarian aid for the vulnerable represent a serious  affront to international human rights and  humanitarian law. Hospitals and other critical infrastructure are being systematically targeted for destruction. There is even shelling of internally displaced camps, directed toward the most vulnerable survivors, some of whom have lived in makeshift camps for over two decades. The international community is failing to provide lifesaving assistance or hold perpetrators of serious international crimes  accountable. The international community must act immediately to end the genocide in Sudan, deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid, and hold perpetrators accountable.

Since the April attacks on the Zamzam camp in Darfur, there has been a documented rise in mass murder, forced displacement, harassment, intimidation, and detention of displaced people with nowhere to go. This, coupled with the rise of airstrikes and attacks, marks an overall escalation of the humanitarian crisis across Sudan. Widespread violence and insecurity has triggered a hunger crisis, leaving people in famine conditions, suffering from acute malnutrition and severe water shortage. Displaced women and girls also face heightened risks of sexual violence at shelters and at illegal checkpoints as they seek safety.

In early May, fighting in the city of El Nahud in West Kordofan state killed over 300 civilians, the actual death toll likely being much higher. RSF rampaged through neighborhoods, looting and killing. It was reported that RSF has been treating detainees in a cruel and inhuman way. As UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said in a statement, “The horror unfolding in Sudan knows no bounds.” Control over El Nahud was a priority for both RSF and SAF, and  now that it is under RSF control, they turn their attention to bid for control of El Fasher. 

Displacement and Catastrophic Conditions 

Over 800,000 displaced people who fled the Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Tawila camps are living in catastrophic conditions due to lack of basic services and a near total absence of humanitarian aid. The people are seeking refuge in East Darfur, in the Khazan Jadid area. Most people are living there without shelter, there are no treatment centers or health services, and malnutrition has been reported among children. With the rainy season approaching, the risk of disease outbreaks will only increase.

Recent Atrocities and Escalations

During the first and second week of July multiple RSF attacks in El Fasher have been reported. Many  people have been fleeing El Fasher on foot in search of food and water. On May 30, at least six people were killed by an RSF drone attack on Obeid International Hospital, in North Kordofan. This is a direct assault on humanitarian infrastructure, and a clear violation of international humanitarian law. On June 1st  In Central Darfur, RSF opened fire in a market near the El Hamidiya camp, killing two civilians and injuring several others. Another report indicated that on June 2nd at least 89 people were killed and wounded in El Koma in North Darfur, following  SAF airstrike. This is the first such attack in the region after a period of relative pause. 

Reports indicate that SAF has struck multiple aircrafts transporting weapons, drones and amention through Nyala Hospital. In another report on  June 4th,  Human Rights Watch released a report accusing SAF of indiscriminately bombing civilian populations during airstrikes in South Darfur in February.  

On June 5th,  a joint humanitarian convoy (WFP and UNICEF) was attacked and burned down by the RSF near El Koma, North Darfur. Multiple trucks were burned, and critical humanitarian supplies were damaged. The convoy was en route to El Fasher leaving civilians starving to death.. 

On June 5th, residents of Wadi Halfa in Northern State blocked all major entrances to the town to protest scheduled power cuts, reflecting the rising civilian frustration amid ongoing infrastructure collapse. 

To make matters worse, on June 9th the Trump administration declared a  U.S. travel ban including Sudan went into effect, signed by President Trump. Sudanese doctors have warned that this ban will prevent medical graduates from participating in training programs in the U.S., limiting future healthcare capacity in Sudan. The ban also blocks Sudanese genocide affected refugees at a time when international refuge is most urgently needed. The African Union has condemned the move, warning it threatens years of diplomatic progress. 

On June 11th, in Abu Zabad, West Kordofan State, eight people, including a child, were killed and nine injured in a drone strike on a shelter for displaced people. This direct targeting of civilians seeking refuge is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian laws. 

RSF  Escalation of Drone attacks  in Port Sudan 

RSF drones have been flying over Port Sudan almost daily, since the initial strikes between May 4th-6th. Drones hit critical infrastructure like fuel tanks, a power station, and oil depots, in port Sudan, Kassaala and Kosti in White Nile, severely disrupting essential civilian services and endangering the lives and livelihood of the Sudanese people. 

A Worsening Public Health Crisis 

Cholera in Khartoum: Aid workers say the effort to control the outbreak in Khartoum is deteriorating due to the collapse of health services. On June 4, officials reported 1,375 new cholera cases since May 25. This surge is linked to bombings of power stations, which have cut off access to safe drinking water, forcing residents to use contaminated sources like the Nile. 

Cholera in West Darfur and Sennar: Health officials have confirmed six cases and two deaths in El Geneina. In Sennar, 153 suspected cases and nine deaths have been reported. Actual cases and deaths are likely much higher. The situation is dire due to the increased bombing of infrastructure, disrupting access to clean drinking water and medical care. 

The crisis in Sudan today, particularly Darfur, is a crisis  of a global magnitude that requires urgent global attention and actions.  With famine increasing and the rainy season approaching, if left unaddressed the humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur and Kordofan will be the deadliest of its kind. Genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity have been perpetrated for over two decades. DWAG believes the solution to the crisis in Sudan must take an atrocities prevention approach that starts with civilian protection and accountability for criminals. 

Therefore we urgently  call on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the African Union, the United States, and the broader r international community to take the following urgent actions:

  • Authorize urgent and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for all in need across Sudan;
  • Swiftly authorize and deploy civilian protection forces to protect the innocent Sudanese people, particularly in Darfur; 
  • Press the warring parties to stop the torture, murder, rape, and starvation of civilians in Darfur and across the Sudan;
  • Press  the warring parties to immediately cease all attacks and strictly adhere to a permanent, verifiable ceasefire;
  • Impose  criminal and financial accountability for all individuals and states complicit in committing past and present genocide and war crimes in Sudan; 
  • U.S., UNSC, and allies must hold the regional and international enablers supplying weapons to the warring parties in Sudan accountable; 
  • US and allies must cease the selling of arms to the UAE and prevent genocide in Sudan.
  • We call on the United States to issue a waiver for Sudanese refugees, students to enter into the US without restriction 

As attacks on civilians and the humanitarian crisis intensifies we must speak out and demand   action. We further call on DWAG supporters to speak up and tell our leaders- in the face of genocide and the incredible suffering they must not look the other way, they must meet their moral and legal obligation by standing against genocide in Sudan. The time to act is now. 

Please join our Stand with Sudan campaign to take action, support the life saving effort  and rally others to be a voice for the people of Sudan.

With our collective effort we can ease the suffering, compel our leaders to act and hold those responsible accountable.  

With Gratitude,

Niemat Ahmadi, 

DWAG President

Weekly Policy Statement

July 11, 2025 

Mass Displacement, Targeted Attacks, and Funding Cuts Put Sudanese People in Imminent Danger 

Since April 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have laid siege to El Fasher, Zamzam camp, and surrounding areas, deliberately cutting off food, water, and medical care. El Fasher is the last of Darfur’s five state capitals that is not yet under RSF control. According to recent reporting from MSF, this siege has resulted in the intentional starvation of civilians, and the collapse of already fragile living conditions. What we are witnessing is not merely a war- it is a genocide unfolding in real time, marked by mass displacement, sexual violence, starvation, and deliberate targeting of non-Arab communities. The people of Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum are bearing the brunt of unimaginable violence. 

On June 16th, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned of escalating  violence in North Darfur and Kordofan, his office documented a tripling in the number of arbitrary killings of civilians between February and April, along with rising incidents of sexual violence and attacks on humanitarian workers. 

We at DWAG call for critical action to be taken. As targeted ethnic violence intensifies, legal repression becomes more commonplace, the rainy season approaches, and global humanitarian aid funding is slashed, the people of Sudan are in a dire and deteriorating situation.  

Recent Atrocities and Escalations

On June 11th, RSF seized Karab El Tum, near the Sudan–Libya–Egypt border, signaling growing regional entanglement and military expansion. On June 15th, heavy fighting erupted in El Fasher, including drone attacks on residential areas and camps for displaced people. At least 35 children went missing, allegedly detained by RSF. The continued siege on El Fasher included on June 16 RSF bombing a shelter for displaced people in El Fasher, killing 10+ civilians and injuring 40 people. Also a report was released by the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies, outlining an uptick in human trafficking, specifically in Darfur, Khartoum, and Al Gezire. The findings reveal that human trafficking networks often collude with government actors, and detail incidents of kidnapping, sexual slavery, forced recruitment, and forced labor. To add to this. On June 30th, RSF rejected a UN-proposed ceasefire and resumed artillery strikes on El Fasher. Civilian deaths and malnutrition cases continue to rise. 

On July 3 MSF released a report documenting systematic atrocities including rape, starvation, and forced displacement, based on over 80 testimonies. See the full report here, and press statement here. Dbanga Sudan has documented more than 190 families having been displaced. 

On July 6th, IOM confirmed that 99% of Zamzam Camp’s population had fled. Displaced people are now scattered across 26 localities in four states, facing critical conditions.

Along their route; they faced murder, illness, physical assault, and gender-based violence, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of displaced populations and the chilling conditions they face as they seek safety. 

Most recently, from July 7th to 9th, shelling inside Abu Shouk camp killed three civilians and injured many more. As a reminder, this is a displacement camp where famine was confirmed last year.  This tragic incident is another reminder of the toll this conflict is taking on civilians. 

Targeted Ethnic Violence and Legal Repression Intensifies 

Across Sudan, volunteers, journalists, aid workers, and lawyers are being arrested arbitrarily. In Al-Jazeera State and Khartoum, many remain imprisoned without charges. Civil society is under siege through increased surveillance, repression, and intimidation. The recent arrests of journalists in El Fasher reflects a broader trend of information suppression, as military actors attempt to silence witnesses and isolate Sudan from the global community.

The recent MSF report confirms the RSF’s systematic targeting of non-Arab communities. One survivor stated, “The RSF does not treat tribes equally, they treat Arabs better than non-Arabs, light skinned people better than dark-skinned people, and those speaking the nomads’ type of Arabic better than those speaking the city style or another language.” Specifically, many Zaghawa people were interviewed in this report, and many villages that were targeted in recent RSF attacks were known to be home to Zaghawa communities. One man said, “They were asking people if they belonged to the Zaghawa, and if they did, they would kill them.” This is the language and behavior of genocide, and the international community must respond accordingly. 

Additionally, on July 9th in Khartoum State, Sultan Hassan Musa, the leader of the Nuba people, accused government forces of demolishing 806 Nubian homes and pursuing oppressive and ethnically-targeted policies. These acts constitute ethnic persecution and cannot be tolerated. 

Flooding and Upcoming Rainy Season 

On June 17th, Nakhil camp in East Darfur warned that the upcoming rainy season will only worsen living and health conditions. Women in the camp pleaded for water, seeds, food, and warned of famine. 

A UN briefing on July 9th reported that flash floods devastated the Northern Delta locality of Kassala State, further impeding aid delivery. We must work to ensure people have clean drinking water, proper sanitation services, humanitarian aid, and food as the rainy season approaches. 

On July 10th, flooding in Kalma camp and South Kordofan washed away roads, and cut access to clean water and aid. This is an early indication of imminent disaster as the rainy season begins. 

Humanitarian Funding Cuts are Costing Lives 

On July 7th, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that severe funding shortfalls will soon force cuts to food assistance for Sudanese refugees. The UN also reiterated the need for humanitarian aid funding in a statement on July 9th, calling for the international community to scale up support. As of July 9th, the $4.2 billion response plan for Sudan is less than 25% funded, with only $917 million left in the bank. This is not just a crisis of violence, it is one of abandonment. Displaced and starving civilians are met with scarcity, not support, as they flee. 

DWAG’s Urgent Demands to the International Community 

  • Authorize urgent and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for all in need across Sudan;
  • Swiftly authorize and deploy civilian protection forces to protect the innocent Sudanese people, particularly in Darfur; 
  • Press the warring parties to stop the torture, murder, rape, and starvation of civilians as a strategy of war;
  • Demand that the warring parties to immediately cease all attacks and strictly adhere to a permanent, verifiable ceasefire;
  • Impose  criminal and financial accountability for all individuals and states complicit in committing past and present genocide and war crimes in Sudan; 
  • U.S., UNSC, and allies must hold the regional and international enablers supplying weapons to the warring parties in Sudan accountable; 
  • US and allies must cease the selling of arms to the UAE and prevent genocide in Sudan.

As this genocide intensifies, we issue this urgent plea to the global community: Act now! The people of Darfur and Sudan at large are facing mass killings, forced starvation, and targeted ethnic violence at the hands of armed actors who continue to operate without consequence. We must raise our voices, demand accountability, and call on world leaders to protect civilians and support the Sudanese people in their fight for survival, safety, and peace. 

Please join our Stand with Sudan campaign to take action, support the life saving effort  and rally others to be a voice for the people of Sudan. The time to act is now. 

With our collective effort we can ease the suffering, compel our leaders to act and hold those responsible accountable.  

With Gratitude,

Niemat Ahmadi, 

DWAG President

Promising Update: Abd-Al-Rahman, “Ali Kushayb,” Trial at International Criminal Court

As the first week of the International Criminal Court (ICC) trial of Abd-Al-Rahman, better known as “Ali Kushayb,” comes to a close, we want to commend the powerful statements by the prosecution and the bravery of the victims, who will come forward, albeit anonymously, to tell their stories. The judges have authorized 142 victims to participate in the trial. With the brave cooperation of the victims and the tireless work of the prosecution to present strong evidence, we are confident Ali Kushayb will be convicted of all 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Victims will finally realize the beginning of long-awaited justice.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan began his opening statements by commenting on the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The breaking of the fast every evening is called iftar. He analogized and noted that in Sudan, “there has been another fast that they have been partaking, not because it is their choice, but it is the waiting for justice, and from that perspective, this is a momentous day. It is an iftar of sorts for the millions of Sudanese throughout the world for this day to come.” 

Ali Kushayb was a former leader of the cruel Janjaweed militia. He is responsible for leading the horrific operations of systematic murder, torture, and rape of innocent men, women, and children. Ali Kushayb, as described by witnesses, tortured them through beating, and has killed people with an axe. Additionally, he ordered the execution of at least 5 children between the ages of 10 to 12. Ali Kushayb also commonly arrested people with the guise that they were “rebels” and would order the Janjaweed to murder them. In one instance, the Janjaweed murdered 137 people over the course of just 3 days. This is only the beginning of victim testimony. While these details are excruciatingly painful to hear, it is imperative to tell the stories of the victims, so that each of them have their day in court. It is also imperative to share these stories to achieve justice and raise public awareness of the Darfur genocide.

Ali Kushayb, who has pleaded not guilty to all 31 counts, in his opening remarks claimed that,  “I came of my own free will. No one brought me here. I came here to correct the misleading falsehoods attributed to me, and I congratulate the International Criminal Court for being a fair court of law.” We must disagree that the charges against him are “misleading falsehoods.” It is no surprise that he denies the charges, but we have no doubt that the ICC has a qualified prosecution team, team of lawyers, and judges presiding over the case, that will no doubt deliver the justice that Darfuri victims deserve. The process of justice may take time, but the truth will eventually come out in the coming months. We are looking forward to witnessing innocent Darfuris and Sudanese people, affected by his inhumane crimes, rejoice in seeing him behind bars. 

In the meantime, we ask the public to stand in solidarity with Darfur and continue to support not only the Ali Kushayb trial, but to demand accountability for other indictees. We ask the public, our supporters and partners, to bring attention on social media and through other means to the situation in Darfur and Sudan at large. We equally urge the media to keep the coverage and focus on this important case that has been largely neglected for years. Additionally, we demand the international community, the UN and its bodies, including the UN Security Council, and the member states of the ICC to continue its efforts to hold other perpetrators of the Darfur genocide accountable. Former President Omar Al-Bashir still remains at large and orchestrated the genocide under his regime. Justice is not just convicting Ali Kushayb, but convicting all perpetrators responsible for the mass atrocities committed in Darfur for the past 20 years. Together, through our efforts, we can stop and prevent further genocide in Darfur.

We urge the United States to support accountability for crimes in Sudan because there will not be peace, security or stability in Sudan unless there is accountability. We urge you all to stand with us collectively to empower the victims and the affected communities to seek justice and restore their livelihood.

Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month

A Future Without Genocide

This April, as we mark Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month, Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is launching a month-long campaign to bring the needed attention to the long-standing Genocide in Darfur. This month was chosen because April contains many significant dates in the history of Genocide. These include the beginnings of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the Armenian Genocide, and the Anfal campaign against Iraqi Kurds. Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month aims to share knowledge about what Genocide is, past genocides, and the continuing fight against Genocide today. As we come together this month, we must commemorate the past by recognizing those who lost their lives and demanding accountability for past and present crimes.  

Sadly, the Genocide that started 20 years ago in Darfur has not been resolved, and millions of victims continue to suffer while living in deplorable conditions and remain under constant attack. Beginning in 2002/2003, the government of Sudan initiated a genocidal campaign in Darfur, and by 2006 over 300,000 civilians, disproportionately women and children were slaughtered. During the Genocide, over 3 million people were forced to flee their homes, and 2.7 million are still living in camps. Widespread displacement continues to affect the Darfuri people. Beyond the targeted slaughter, countless women and girls are subjected to rape and other forms of gender-based violence by government soldiers as a tool of Genocide. 

The crimes committed against the people of Darfur are crimes of a global magnitude. Although some world leaders have made strong statements about the need to hold those perpetrators accountable, they have failed to take concerted action to bring the individuals responsible for these crimes to face justice. Moreover, the recent developments in Sudan are a clear indicator of the consequences when the international community fails to hold despotic leaders accountable. Their inaction has emboldened the military to continue the tactics of the Bashir regime of violating international human rights and humanitarian laws, usurping power through a coup, and killing innocent civilians. 

To commemorate the past, we must fight for accountability for present crimes and prevent future occurrences of Genocide. Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) will be commemorating the 2022 Genocide Prevention Month by raising awareness of the Darfur genocide with a special focus on accountability through the theme of “A Future Without Genocide.” Darfur genocide continues today because our leaders fail to impose consequences for those responsible. Additionally, this special focus will also highlight the trial of Abd-Al-Rahman, better known as “Ali Kushayb,” the former Janjaweed militia leader. His trial with the International Criminal Court (ICC) will begin on April 5, 2022. The ICC has charged Kushayb with 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite this progress, four more indicted criminals have yet to be brought to justice, while many Janjaweed leaders and militiamen who committed mass atrocities have yet to be charged or prosecuted. For example, the ICC has charged the former President of Sudan Omar Al-Bashir, with war crimes and crimes against humanity, but he remains at large. Al-Bashir orchestrated and is complicit in the Darfur genocide that happened under his regime. Therefore, we must rally our movement and double our effort to fight for justice. We call on the Biden administration and the member states of the UNSC to publicly speak about the Darfur genocide and demand accountability.

The United States has condemned and suspended aid to Sudan, yet more needs to be done to ensure the restoration of a civilian-led government; pressure must be exercised on Sudanese military officials. The United States must prioritize accountability, promotion of human rights, and life with dignity for the people of Sudan. The United States must stand with the people of Sudan in this time of significant loss and work to bring a civilian-led government that will bring about democracy and sustainable peace. Use the letter on our website to draft an email to your legislator or as a script for a phone call. We must urge the United States government to do more to support the people of Sudan.

We must act now to ensure that Darfur can strive toward a peaceful future. Therefore, the DWAG team would like to invite our supporters and those who believe in a future without genocide to join us in cultivating a collective effort that will ensure that genocide is a story of the past and not the future. This month, we will be holding events that will bring awareness to the Darfur Genocide and highlight the importance of accountability for these atrocitie. We will accompany these events by posting updates on our social media and website. Our goal is not only to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur but to demand justice from our leaders in power. In the coming days, we will provide you with more details about our campaign and how you can participate in the multiple action opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the victims in Darfur.

Join us this Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month by participating in our events and efforts to demand justice and accountability. Post in connection with DWAG’s efforts this April by utilizing the hashtag #FutureWithoutGenocide so that we may signal our collective support and solidarity with the people of Darfur and victims of the genocide.

Sincerely,

Darfur Women Action Group

Escalated Violence and Villages Set Ablaze in West Darfur

Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is extremely alarmed by the ongoing systematic and escalated attacks in Jebel Moon, West Darfur. We are also alarmed about the overall recent increase in violence in Darfur, which has harmed a number of unarmed civilians.

On March 7th, militias launched an attack in Jebel Moon and nearby areas that killed, displaced and injured many civilians. The attacks include gunmen killing two humanitarian workers and injuring seven. The death toll is most recently at 16 from those attacks and there are 16 wounded. In a more recent deadly attack, militiamen killed 20 people and wounded dozens when they set a number of villages on fire including Berdi, Igra and Kafana. Mohamed Abdallah El Doma, the former wali (governor) of West Darfur, said that the conflicts in West Darfur and Jebel Moon in particular are not tribal conflicts but are “systematic attacks aimed at controlling lands, fertile pastures, and resources such as gold and minerals.” We are saddened and concerned at the loss of life occurring, all in the name of acquiring power and resources.

Furthermore, attackers shot and killed three human rights activists in Jebel Moon. Front Line Defenders, an Irish based organization, confirmed the deaths stating that the activists were assessing human rights violations in West Darfur. Moreover, recurring attacks in Jebel Moon have left at least 36 people dead and 150,000 families displaced. We are extremely saddened and angered to learn of these innocent lives lost and our heartfelt condolences are with the families. Among these recurring attacks, many incidents of sexual violence have also been reported by sources on the ground, where authorities brutally raped and killed women and young girls under 16 years old in an effort to humiliate and instill fear in the community. 

In response to the horrifying violence, the resistance committees in West Darfur are organizing protests in front of state government offices condemning the rising violence in Jebel Moon and demanding action to end it. We stand with the brave resistance committees and support their protests.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (STSG) for Sudan, and head of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), Volker Perthes, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Jebel Moon. Mr. Perthes encouraged “Sudanese authorities to work actively to restore stability in the region and urges all parties to act with restraint in order to prevent further violence.” We appreciate Mr. Perthes’s statement but in the face of brutality, statements are not enough. It is imperative that the UN demands an investigation and holds attackers accountable. Mr. Perthes calls for Sudanese authorities to restore stability and act with restraint, but that does not change the situation unless the UN takes practical steps and urges the UN Security Council to provide protection for civilians.

These attacks are extremely alarming and are not isolated incidents. This is systematic violence that has been going on for 20 years and counting. Arab militias, supported by the government in Khartoum, deliberately target indigenous Africans, especially in areas that are rich in natural resources and agriculture in Darfur. We strongly denounce the escalating killing and the injuring of civilians and the burning of their villages. Thousands of victims are left without a home or humanitarian assistance. These attacks in Jebel Moon and across Darfur continue to happen because of the lack of accountability for perpetrators. Therefore, DWAG calls on the international community to take strong accountability measures and pressure Sudan to stop its militias from attacking civilians in Darfur. 

We call on the international community, the United States and the UN Security Council to take the following measures; 

  • Demand an immediate investigation into all violent incidents particularly the killings of innocent civilians and rape of women and children
  • Demand Sudan to open unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need
  • Impose targeted sanctions on individuals for committing and promoting gross human rights violations, including travel bans and asset freezing on military generals to ensure financial accountability to limit their access to weapons
  • Impose measures of criminal accountability and support the ICC to investigate the past and present crimes and to bring those responsible to face trial
  • Demand that Sudanese authorities disarm the Janjaweed and withdraw its forces from civilian areas, in particular near the areas of camps for the internally displaced, which will protect civilian life and their human rights
  • We equally urge our supporters to speak up, spread the word and demand their leaders to take swift action to end the suffering and bring lasting peace and stability in Sudan 

It is imperative that the United States and the international community stand with the people of Darfur and Sudan, not the government, by prioritizing accountability, protection of human rights and respect for human dignity in Sudan.  

We must continue to make our voice louder and demand accountability. With our collective effort, we can make the difference and end the suffering in Darfur and across Sudan.

A Call to Action: Impunity for the Genocide in Darfur Must End

Marking the 13th Anniversary of the International Criminal Court’s Indictment of Omar al-Bashir

Today March 4th, 2022 marks the 13th year since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued the first arrest warrant against Omar al-Bashir for the crimes committed in Darfur. Bashir stands accused of the most heinous international crimes—genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity—all of which he orchestrated against the indigenous African tribes of Darfur. Although he has been removed from power after thirty years of bloody rule, he has yet to be tried for these horrific crimes while victims continue to suffer.

During his presidency, Bashir ordered the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied Janjaweed militias to carry out a scorched-earth genocidal campaign in Sudan’s western region of Darfur. Bashir directly ordered the mass killing of thousands of innocent civilians and the pillaging and burnings of entire villages while utilizing rape and starvation as weapons of war. This resulted in a global catastrophe that shocked the world’s consciousness and galvanized global outrage from activists, advocates, and policymakers alike.

Since then, conservative estimates find that more than 400,000 people have been killed, over 4 million people have been forced to flee their homes, and over 5,000 villages have been destroyed. However, the violence continues unabated to this day. For these crimes, Bashir was charged with five counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture, and rape. He is also accused of two counts of war crimes, including intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population and against innocent individual civilians and pillaging. Further, Bashir is charged with three counts of genocide by means of killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting on each target group conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction. Such conditions of life include contaminating the water supply of entire communities and the blockage of humanitarian aid.

Despite Bashir being ousted in 2019 and demands for justice from the affected communities being heard across Sudan, thus far, he has only been tried for corruption and money laundering in Sudan, not for perpetrating the most heinous international crimes—genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur. While the interim government vowed to pursue justice, they utterly failed to hold the perpetrators of such serious crimes accountable. The impunity for Bashir does not only inflict devastating effects within Sudan but sends a dangerous message to individuals perpetrating mass atrocities around the world. 

The crimes committed against the people of Darfur are crimes of a global magnitude. Although some world leaders have made strong statements about the need to hold those perpetrators accountable, they have all failed to take concerted action to bring the individuals responsible for these crimes to face justice. Moreover, the recent developments in Sudan are a clear indicator of the consequences that can occur when the international community fails to hold despotic leaders accountable. Their inaction has emboldened the military regime to continue the tactics of the Bashir regime of violating international human rights and humanitarian laws, usurping power through a coup, and killing innocent civilians. In holding Bashir accountable for his crimes, the international community would send a strong signal to the military junta of consequences that will come their way, as well. If Bashir escapes justice, the rulers of the military junta will believe they could too. 

2021 was a year of significant milestones in the ICC’s cases against the perpetrators of the genocide in Darfur. All of the charges against former Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb were confirmed, allowing his trial to officially begin next month. The chief prosecutor of the ICC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the interim government that seemed to represent a step forward in the direction of justice. However, while these strides were being made at the international level to achieve justice for victims, the situation on the ground did not reflect this progress. The security situation in the country remains alarming, as victims continue to face attacks and ongoing displacement with no end in sight. The October 25th coup then demonstrated that the Sudanese military—which assisted in the perpetration of the genocide—still cannot be trusted to usher in tangible change nor sustainable peace.

The situation in Darfur was referred to the ICC by the United Nations Security Council, in part, because of the Sudanese government’s culpability in committing the crimes and the judicial system’s incapability and unwillingness to prosecute those responsible for these heinous crimes. Despite promises for reform during the previous interim period, the October military coup and continued lack of accountability for the crimes committed in Darfur have reinforced the fact that the Sudanese judiciary is still inadequate, incompetent, and unwilling to hold the military accountable, and cannot bring justice to the millions of genocide victims that are still suffering. Despite the promises made during Sudan’s interim period to transfer Bashir to The Hague, the new reality that has been imposed on Sudan by the military junta makes cooperation with the ICC incredibly unlikely.

Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) wishes to remind our leaders that because the case of Darfur was referred to the ICC by the UN Security Council (UNSCR 1593), its members, including the United States, are obligated to actively support and fulfill their legal obligations to pursue justice. All State Parties to the ICC and the signatories to the Rome Statute are legally obligated to support the ICC, including through cooperation and implementation of the warrants of arrest against all suspects. 

The unanswered cries for justice in Darfur and across Sudan have gone on for far too long due to the failure of both Sudanese institutions as well as the international community to identify sustainable solutions for effective accountability measures and fulfill the pending ICC arrest warrants. Given the grave reality of the situation in Sudan since the military coup, it is imperative that UN Security Council members and State Parties to the Rome Statute stand for justice. 

As the ICC’s trial date for Ali Kushayb is quickly approaching, thousands of victims within the affected communities, particularly women, have not been adequately reached out to, oriented, nor engaged in these proceedings. Therefore, it is equally important that the ICC and the States Parties to the Rome Statute simultaneously exercise pressure over Sudan to create an enabling environment that will allow as many victims as possible to engage in the proceedings for a full investigation of these crimes, as well as those committed by the other former Sudanese leaders indicted by the Court. 

DWAG also wishes to remind the ICC and the State Parties to the Rome Statute that while it is important to try Ali Kushayb, justice must not be selective or limited to officials in lower-ranking levels. For the victims from the affected community, justice for them is no less than seeing Bashir—the president and commander-in-chief who ordered, sponsored, and mobilized support to the military to commit such crimes—ultimately held accountable.  

DWAG strongly urges all State Parties to the Rome Statute to fulfill their legal and moral  obligations by pressuring the military junta in Sudan to immediately implement the pending ICC arrest warrants against Bashir as well as Harun and Hussein. DWAG calls on the United States and other leaders to prioritize criminal justice and accountability in Sudan, which starts with the arrest and surrender of Bashir.

Now more than ever, at this critical juncture in Sudanese history, the United Nations Security Council and States Parties to the Rome Statute must make it clear to Bashir, the other Sudanese officials indicted by the ICC, and the military leaders of Sudan that impunity will no longer be tolerated. The international community must take concrete steps to support the people of Darfur as it did 13 years ago and end impunity for the genocide once and for all. On this 13th anniversary, please stand with Darfur Women Action Group and the people of Sudan and join our call for justice and a world without genocide.