Category: Statements

Week of June 9th, 2025 – Weekly Policy Statement

 

 Week of June 9th

Dying in Silence in Darfur and Nowhere To Go

Mass Murder, Acute Famine, and Protection Crises

 

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has worsened in recent weeks. Famine is growing, and violence is escalating, especially in Darfur where civilians and critical infrastructure are being systematically targeted. The situation is a clear affront to international humanitarian law, yet there is an overall lack of humanitarian response. The international community must act immediately to end the genocide in Sudan, deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid, and hold perpetrators accountable

 

Since the attacks on the Zamzam camp in April, 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 in Sudan. The violence has triggered a hunger crisis, leaving people in famine conditions, suffering from acute malnutrition and food insecurity and severe water shortage. Displaced women and girls 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. Control over El Nahud has been a priority for both RSF and SAF, and is now under RSF control in their bid to control El Fasher. As UN Human Rights Cheif Volker Turk said in a statement, “The horror unfolding in Sudan knows no bounds.”

 

Recent Atrocities and Escalations

  • 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. 
  • June 1: In Central Darfur, RSF opened fire in a market near the El Hamidiya camp, killing two civilians and injuring several others. 
  • June 2: At least 89 people were killed and wounded in El Koma in North Darfur, following an SAF airstrike. This is the first such attack in the region after a period of relative pause. 
  • June 4: Human Rights Watch released a report accusing SAF of indiscriminately bombing civilian populations during airstrikes in South Darfur in February.  Full Report: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/06/04/sudan-armed-forces-airstrikes-south-darfur 
  • June 5: A joint humanitarian convoy (WFP and UNICEF) was attacked near El Koma, North Darfur. Multiple trucks were burned, and critical humanitarian supplies were damaged. The convoy was en route to El Fasher. 
  • June 5: 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. 
  • June 9: 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 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. 
  • June 11: 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 Activity 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, disrupting essential services and endangering civilian lives. 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

Our Demands to the International Community 

We call on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the African Union, the United States, and the larger international community to take the following urgent actions:

 

  • Swiftly authorize and deploy civilian protection forces to protect the innocent Sudanese people, particularly in Darfur; 
  • Impose  criminal and financial accountability for all individuals and states complicit in committing past and present genocide and war crimes in Sudan;
  • Demand that the warring parties immediately cease all attacks and strictly adhere to a permanent, verifiable ceasefire;
  • Authorize urgent and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for all in need across Sudan;
  • Press the warring parties to stop the torture, murder, rape, and starvation of civilians as a strategy of war;
  • 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 call 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. These horrors are not inevitable, they are preventable. But only if we 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. The time to act is now.

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.

DWAG Stands in Solidarity with Ukraine

Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) writes to express concern about the unjust Russian invasion of Ukraine and to extend solidarity and support to Ukrainians. We believe that Ukrainians have the right to live in peace. The attack on Ukraine is an early warning sign for genocide and mass atrocities that the international community must take seriously. 

In particular, we stand in solidarity with Ukrainian women and children who will bear the harshest effects of the war. The devastating effects of this war are creating the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe in recent history. Women and children are needing basic necessities and as many as 500,000 innocent people are dispersing to neighboring countries such as Hungary, Poland, Moldova, and Slovakia. According to the United Nations, this refugee crisis is likely to lead to 5 million people displaced. DWAG calls on the international community to use an effective approach and urge parties to deescalate the crises, uphold human rights, and respect all international humanitarian laws. 

We equally urge the neighboring countries to welcome Ukrainian refugees, particularly women and children, and to stand in solidarity with all Ukrainians who are suffering. We also urge them to provide protection for both Ukrainians and foreign citizens in Ukraine who have been forced to leave their homes. We ask our supporters to speak up for and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and call for a peaceful resolution of the situation. It’s imperative to remind Russia that any dispute between nations must not take the form of military intervention or the use of force, but rather the use of negotiation and existing peaceful mechanisms. 

You can also use hashtags such as #solidarity4Ukraine to speak up for the women of Ukraine and all those who are suffering.

 

 

Critical Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur as a Direct Result of the Coup

Critical Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur as a Direct Result of the Coup  

The government in Khartoum and those responsible must be held accountable

Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is alarmed by the reports of the looting of various former UN agencies’ compounds in El Fasher, North Darfur. The looting started on December 24-25 and has increased the region’s instability, as the vacuum created by the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur’s (UNAMID) withdrawal at the end of 2020 created a fragile foundation for peace and security throughout Darfur.

In early January, a large group of army soldiers, paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), police officers, and former rebel combatants raided UNAMID’s former headquarters of its remaining supplies and the current most extensive United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Darfur. This included the theft of four-wheel-drive vehicles, lorries, equipment, food items, and various other devices that DWAG fears will be used against the people of Sudan in their continued peaceful protests against the military junta and its coup led on October 25. This has caused an unprecedented threat and level of fear among UN agencies and international and national NGOs and has forced most to suspend their critical operations that provide lifesaving assistance for thousands of Darfuris, including internally-displaced people (IDPs) in the area.

In response, on December 31, the WFP suspended its operations after looting started on December 29 in all three of its facilities in the region. The WFP says the suspension could affect close to two million people. This is alarming, as an estimated 10.9 million people are food insecure in Sudan and in need of livelihood assistance.

The most recent incident began on Saturday, February 5 when an armed group attacked the former UNAMID headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur. According to a military statement, Major General Fadhil El Malik of the Sudanese coalition forces and Lieutenant Muhammad Ezeldin of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were killed in the armed conflict. The North Darfur Security Committee has begun an investigation into the incident. General Nimr Abdelrahman, the Governor of North Darfur, has directed all armed struggle movement forces to leave the city and move to predetermined assembly points within 72 hours.

We at DWAG are dismayed by the new humanitarian crisis emerging due to the looting of these sites and how it will continue disrupting the lives of Darfuris. Attacking, looting, and burning UN agencies’ properties and interfering in other humanitarian operations constitutes a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Attacks against humanitarian agencies have been used to deepen the suffering of the genocide victims still living in camps, as their lives and livelihood have depended on humanitarian assistance for two decades. The resurgence of these tactics, which were also used by the Bashir regime, is causing IDPs to face further starvation, disease, and lack of lifesaving services.

Those on the ground believe that the looting, attacks and ensuing instability have occurred because of the coup d’etat. The continued use of starvation as a weapon of war in the longstanding crisis in Darfur has prolonged the suffering of the people of Darfur and is often ignored by the international community. Attacks on civilians in Darfur and across Sudan continue, and these recent incidents have occurred because of the failure of the international community to impose accountability measures on those responsible. The people of Darfur have suffered far too long, and the international community must pay attention to their suffering and heed their calls for peace, justice, and accountability in both this immediate crisis and the long term.

Therefore, DWAG calls upon the international community, the member states of the United Nations Security Council, particularly the United States government, to impose the following consequences on the military junta for these violations of international humanitarian law and the violence they have perpetrated since the end of October:

●      Track, seize, and restore the looted materials immediately so that the Sudanese armed forces cannot use them against the people of Sudan.

●      Impose targeted sanctions that freeze the assets of Sudanese military leaders and help the people of Sudan restore the stolen public funds accumulated by the military juntas to be redistributed for the benefit of the Sudanese people.

●      Impose a travel ban on the Sudanese military generals responsible for orchestrating the coup, attacking civilians, and looting humanitarian organizations’ and UN agencies’ assets.