Category: Blog

Monthly Update (June)

Violence across Sudan despite the ongoing pandemic crises 

In June, violence in Sudan continued particularly in Darfur where millions of the displaced are still in camps while the country battled the COVID-19 pandemic with its limited resources and the weight of economic crisis. Attacks against indigenous Dumfries by Arab militias continued casualties and injuries, causing thousands to protest against the constant violence and injustice due to the government’s blind eye to the protection of its people and its ability to hold perpetrators accountable. To commemorate the first anniversaries of the June 3rd massacre and the following June 30th ‘March of Millions,’ the people of Sudan held demonstrations for the victims in solidarity. Meanwhile, former Darfur Janjaweed leader, Ali Kushayb, was finally arrested by the Central African Republic and transferred to ICC custody for his war crimes and crimes against humanity. His arrest spread hope for refugees and other victims as discussion of extradition with other suspects continues. 

COVID-19 UPDATE

As of June 20th, Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health reported a total of about 8,900 coronavirus cases with at least 548 deaths. Hospitals were shut down early in the month due to a shortage of medical staff, who feared for their safety and urged for protective equipment and regulations. With both the extended lockdowns and the global economic crisis, food prices have risen to more than double the previous year. Sudan now faces high prices, reductions in labor income, lack of access to food, and increased malnutrition.

Meanwhile, woman activist Maryam Hussein visited about 10 displacement camps to spread awareness of COVID-19. Despite the dangers women face in camps, Hussein stressed that without easy access to the internet, camp residents must be informed and aware of the dangers of leaving their houses. The technological limitations in the area remain an issue as residents may be unaware of, or dismissive towards, COVID-19 protocol, which could be linked to a general distrust in the government.

However, during the week of June 12th, Sudan received its first COVID-19 aid package from the European Union. Carrying medical equipment, vaccines, water purifiers, kits, medicine, and medical staff protective equipment, the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge is provided by funding from the EU in response to the COVID-19 crisis to support and strengthen global health and economic systems. A second flight arrived in Sudan on June 24th with 35 humanitarian workers to help with medical and humanitarian services.

CONFLICT LEADS TO MORE DISPLACED

In early June, at the Ethiopian-Sudanese border, a Sudanese captain was killed in an Ethiopian shifta raid. Three civilians, including a woman, were wounded, but this incident appears to be one of multiple reports of armed attacks on Sudanese people having been made with many dead or wounded. The Ethiopian Ministry of Affairs has acknowledged the incident and believes no hostility between the two countries is necessary. At least 5,000 Sudanese residents were displaced and left their homes in fear.

In the South Kordofan capital Kadugli, recent violence has caused about 4,000 families to flee to the Nuba Mountains, a rebel-held territory in South Sudan. In the past month, 775 families have been affected by violent clashes. At least 17 people have died, and the district’s health unit, water source, and multiple homes were destroyed and looted.

As the displaced population increases from recent conflicts, the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) released a statement regarding an increase of rape for displaced women in North Darfur. The announcement linked the increase of urinary fistula among girls to a 50% increase in rape and sexual violence. As a result of the coronavirus precautions, military power in the state has increased, leaving human and women’s rights activists vulnerable or often ignored. Exposed to violence from militias and armed security forces while working in precarious jobs, the network emphasizes that the struggles of women must be acknowledged as serious issues in order for authorities to properly attend to them.

THE ARREST OF ALI KUSHAYB

On June 9, 2020, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman, or commonly known as Ali Kushayb, was taken into the International Criminal Court (ICC) custody and suspected for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur. Former senior Janjaweed commander, Ali Kushayb allegedly played a major role in civilian attacks and the violence against rebel forces and Sudanese citizens. As a mediator between the Janjaweed militia and the Sudanese government, he has reportedly committed serious violent crimes in the killing of civilians, rape, torture, and other cruel treatments. 

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Kushayb in 2007 until Ali Kushayb, for fear of arrest, fled to the Central African Republic, where he surrendered and was then arrested on June 8, 2020. As of June 15, the war criminal was transferred to The Hague in the Netherlands to face justice.

News of Kushayb’s arrest has renewed hope for refugees. Most consider his arrest to the ICC a great victory, but only one of many on the path to justice. Refugees and other victims continue to encourage and demand the extradition of other suspects in Sudan to face trial with the ICC. Cooperation with the transitional government is necessary to hold suspects accountable for the full extent of their crimes committed in Darfur. The Sudanese government welcomed Kushayb’s arrest to the ICC and have agreed to further discuss the extradition of others.

IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS

June 3rd marked the first anniversary of the June 3rd massacre of a government attack during a sit-in, which left 127 protestors dead, about 700 injured, 70 raped, and over 100 missing. Leaders of the uprising honored the victims with speeches and Koran recitations whilst demonstrators marched and urged the investigation committee to prosecute those responsible. 

The June 3rd massacre was a horrifying government attack on Sudanese civilians during a peaceful sit-in in Khartoum. While protesting for the removal of former President Bashir, military forces opened fire on hundreds of protestors. After about a year demanding an investigation on the incident, the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group working with the government, and other government forces were ultimately deemed responsible for the violence that ensued in an investigation report by the Sudanese Archive and the Human Rights Center Investigation Lab, UC Berkeley. The Prime Minister has released a statement to arrest those responsible, but the Rapid Support Forces has notably been integrated into the Sudan Armed Forces and has been thriving with a vast business empire since. Protests continue to demand accountability from the government in the prosecution process for the victims of the massacre.

Later in the month, following the arrest of Ali Kushayb, demonstrations were held in Mukjar to commemorate the deaths of the 79 people killed in the 2004 massacre. Standing on the square where Ali Kushayb allegedly opened fire on the civilians, demonstrators mourned for the dead and read the opening Sura from the Koran.

The West Darfur Network for the Protection of Displaced Women, as well as other civil organizations for motherhood and childhood, stood vigil with many others in solidarity for the victims of the 2004 massacre. Bringing attention to women’s rights, organizational leaders spoke of Kushayb’s trial and the pursuit of justice for those responsible for the genocide, rape, humiliation, and displacement of women in Darfur. Moreover, leaders demanded the recognition of women and their role in peacebuilding, activism, and government along with support for local projects and initiatives.

In another demonstration on June 30th, protestors marched in memory of last year’s June 30th ‘March of Millions’ when demonstrators demanded a civilian government and an investigation of the violent events from the June 3rd massacre. Ten people were killed on that day, allegedly by security forces and the Rapid Support Forces. One year later, the Sudanese Professional Association released a press statement, echoing the voices of many in the Sudanese community to “complete the goals of the glorious December revolution and correct the path of the transitional period.” Families of the victims sent a memorandum to the Sovereign Council and the Council of Ministers, demanding justice and remembrance, whilst massive marches took place in Khartoum in commemoration.

Pulling Peacekeepers from Darfur will be a Murderous Mistake

President Niemat Ahmadi recently expressed her opinion on the UN Security Council’s expected decision to withdraw the UNAMID peacekeeping force from DARFUR, as well as to authorize a replacement mission in Sudan. We strongly implore the UNSC to reconsider such decisions.

Please read and share President Ahmadi’s article in Passblue: https://www.passblue.com/2020/05/27/pulling-peacekeepers-from-darfur-will-be-a-murderous-mistake/

Sudan’s Transitional Military Council is Now Legitimized

Events that have transpired in the past week in Sudan have heightened tensions throughout the country even as they try to move on from the al-Bashir regime. It is hard to believe that the country will be able to move forward with the continued involvement of proponents of al-Bashir’s regimes still in power.  It appeared that the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and their regional supporter’s strategy has gained traction among political elites and granted them the legitimacy they desperately seek.

  • The New Constitution of Sudan was signed on Saturday, Aug 17, and after a 48-hr delay, the leadership of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) has agreed on their cabinet members for the new government. There was a significant amount of infighting within the leadership over the best candidates for the new sovereign council, especially of candidates representing the regions of Darfur and the Nuba Mountains.  It was obvious that the selections were made by people in power without support from the locals in the regions. There was a concern if Darfur’s plight would be heard in the new government; however, recent events in the region clearly show that it will not. 
  • The New Sovereign Council sworn in this morning will be headed by al-Burhan the former head of the TMC and al-Bashir’s top man in implementing the Darfur carnage. The council is made up of six civilians and five former TMC members, including General Mohammed Hamadan Dagalo the current commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The New Sovereign Council will fall under Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, after his swearing-in ceremony 9 pm tonight in Khartoum. 

In the past week, al-Bashir’s corruption trial has started in Khartoum, he faces charges within Sudan over accepting millions of dollars from Saudia Arabia. The Khartoum courts are also looking to try other members of the former regime and bring them to justice. Meanwhile, the courts have shown no interest in handing over al-Bashir and his regime to the International Criminal Courts (ICC) that still have arrest warrants out over their involvement in the genocide in Darfur. It would be more appropriate for al-Bashir to be tried by the ICC rather than the courts of Khartoum.  Additionally, the families of slain protestors from the December Revolution call for justice and retribution for the forces that carried out the acts of violence. The families have said in the absence of justice they will take to the streets to call more attention and push for justice to be served. 

The challenge for this interim government will be their willingness to stop violent attacks on civilians, resolve the longstanding crises or pursue justice for the most serious crimes. We doubt with the military taking full control after al-Bashir’s overthrow that their sector of the leadership will not try and take control of this government. Moving forward we and the people of Sudan must stand vigilant and speak up to hold the interim government accountable for their every action. 

If you can share this with 5-10 people in your network and ask them to do the same, you will make a difference.

With our collective effort, we can make a difference.  We can end it.

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CONTINUED VIOLENCE IN DARFUR OVER THE WEEKEND

The Darfur Women Action Group expresses outrage at the continued acts of violence that are being perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It is inexcusable that on Saturday, the day the New Constitution was signed, the RSF continued its attacks against innocent civilians in Jebel Marra in Darfur. The attack has left three dead and two critically wounded. DWAG has expressed its reservations about the power-sharing agreement in the weeks leading up to the signing of the New Constitution and the events that occurred on Saturday further proves to us that the new agreement will not remedy the situation.

Just a day after, the continued effects of the war zone that the al-Bashir regime has made Darfur were seen again when an unexploded ordnance claimed the lives of two teenage brothers and severely maimed their sister on a farm in West Darfur. Darfur is still currently littered with unexploded ordnances from previous encounters with the RSF which draws out the pain and suffering that the Darfuri people endure. The international community must make it clear to the Alliance for Freedom and Change and the Sudanese Military Council that Darfur must not be overlooked or left to be a free zone for the RSF while they are celebrating in the capital. Without civilians protection, an end to these brutal attacks, and accountability for the perpetrators there will not be peace in Sudan.

 

Statement on the US Denial of Entry Visa for Salah Gosh

The Darfur Women Action Group commends Secretary of State Pompeo and the United States’ decision to deny the entry visa of Salah Gosh, former head of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). We appreciate the commitment that the United States showed in holding Gosh accountable for his actions in the Darfur genocide, which includes gross violations of human rights and torture. In the future, we hope the United States shows a continued dedication in holding all members of the former al-Bashir regime responsible for their involvement in the genocide in Darfur. We urge Secretary Pompeo to use other effective tools such as travel bans, asset freezing, sanctions, and criminal accountability measures to hold perpetrators of such serious crimes accountable. We also urge Secretary Pompeo to use these tools to prevent members of the former al-Bashir regime from collaborating with the United States, its international allies, and its regional allies at all levels. This action by the Secretary of State demonstrates the United States’ leadership’s commitment to the prevention of atrocities, such as gross human rights violations, and their ability to hold criminals accountable.  

Sudan’s Transition Between Hope and Skepticism

Will the August 4th agreement to sign the “Constitutional Charter”  serve to show good faith that Sudan’s interim government is moving forward in becoming more democratic? While the rest of the world has turned to support the new government (made up of civilians and members of the Transitional Military Council [TMC]) during Sudan’s long transition to a civilian-led government over the next three years, there are continued atrocities committed against the people of Darfur. Without peace in Darfur, there will not be peace in Sudan.

  • More than 100 Sudanese are still missing from the June 3rd attacks (perpetrated by the ruling TMC) despite 11 complaints being submitted to the Khartoum North Court and a memorandum en route to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights as well as the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights. The Democratic Lawyer Alliance will launch a campaign on August 30 to search for people still missing in conjunction with the International Day of Enforced Disappearance. It is hard to believe that Sudan can be transformed without addressing and improving the human rights situation in Sudan. 
  • Sudan wants off the list of State-Sponsored Terror; however, if the United States (US) were to do so they will be mistaken. It is worth noting that the TMC is just the same coin as the al-Bashir regime just another face. Lessons must be learned, in 2017 the US ignored the continuing crises in Darfur relying on misrepresentation of facts on the ground, declaring that the violence was “minimal” when ending sanctions against Sudan. Recent events involving the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the TMC disprove the US’s stance though. In-Depth research and analysis must be done by US policymakers before rewarding the military juntas in Sudan. 
  • The disbandment of the TMC with the new constitution appears to many to be a step in the right direction, make no mistake as many members of the new transitional government will come from the TMC. Thereby continuing al-Bashir’s regime into the future of Sudan indefinitely. 
  • While expectations are high that August 18th will usher in the new cabinet promised by the new constitution, if ratified August 17th, there are concerns that women will be left out of ruling Sudan. There is a 40% quota in place for women’s participation in Parliament though there is no guarantee for the cabinet. Furthermore, the agreement has not tackled the root causes of the crises in Sudan rather it is just a power-sharing agreement between two groups with a national nature and no grassroots support. We fear that it will only grant a handful of individual seats in the government instead of creating an inclusive process that will reflect the diversity of the people of Sudan. 

While all eyes are on the issues surrounding the New Constitution, Darfur is facing multiple crises of national and international magnitude, characterized by violence perpetrated by RSF elements and severe weather that devastated the lives of the long-suffering civilians. 

  • Violence still plagues the state as recent attacks by herders in the region took the lives of three farmers. The attack on the farmers sparked protests in the state capital and a call for an independent committee to investigate the activities of militant herders and gunmen in the state in the past years.
  • Flash flooding is currently wreaking havoc across Sudan, hitting Darfur particularly hard leaving six dead and two more missing. The Sudanese Professional Association (SPA) and various political parties have called on all Sudanese to do their part in the “draining of rainwater” campaign, which works to clear drainage systems and build new ones. The heavy rainfall has also caused prices for gas and food to skyrocket in Darfur, altogether increasing the suffering of those who had been forced out of their homes for years.

The same al-Bashir regime that orchestrated the genocide in Darfur is currently in power and stands to remain in power in Sudan under a new banner. Your voices are urgently needed to expose al-Bashir’s crimes in Darfur and across Sudan.  It takes only one action to contribute to ending genocide in Darfur and the unprecedented carnage across Sudan. 

If you can share this with 5-10 people in your network and ask them to do the same, you will make a difference.

With our collective effort, we can make a difference.  We can end it.

Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Civil Society Groups Delivered Urgent Letter to the UNSC and the ICC States Parties

On August 7th, the Darfur Women Action Group, along with eighteen other civil society groups, sent an urgent letter to the member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) urging them to expedite the arrest of al-Bashir and other Sudanese officials indicted by the ICC.  The letter stressed that al-Bashir is no longer a head of state and there has never been a better time in Sudan to implement the pending ICC arrest warrants.

Read the full text of the letter here: Urgent Letter to UNSC and ICC 7 Aug.

We urge you to join us on social media by sharing this letter and denouncing al-Bashir. Collectively we can make a difference and bring an end to the genocide in Darfur.