We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to inform you of the horrifying human rights crisis taking place in Sudan right now.
Sudan has long been an area rife with conflict – embroiled in civil war for most of the second half of the 20th century. The 21st century began with the Darfur Genocide in 2003 – the first genocide of the century. The mass slaughter and rape of the Darfuri people in Western Sudan is carried out by the Janjaweed militia, with nearly half a million people killed and over 2.8 million displaced. This occurred under the rule of Omar al-Bashir, who has been the military dictator of Sudan since 1989.
A New Era
Change came on April 11. After months of protests due to cash and bread shortages, al-Bashir was overthrown by Sudanese citizens sick of his dictatorship with its brute military force and open genocide.
Military leaders took charge, claiming they would concede their power to a civilian-led government after a transition period.
Talks have stalled with the military saying they will not hold elections for another nine months. The growing fear in Sudan is that the election will not be free or fair and will simply lead to the appointment of a new military dictator.
With the military tightening its hold on the supposedly transitional government, the civilians protested.
Military Crackdown
On June 3, the civilians’ non-violent strike was met with a violent military response.
The horrifying military crackdown took place in Khartoum, with “paramilitary troops killing and sexually assaulting scores of protesters.”
At least 118 dead, with dozens of bodies dumped in the Nile River
More than 70 cases of rape
At least 784 wounded
Military have rounded up “essential employees” at gunpoint to force them back to work
Pro-democracy activists have gone into hiding while they decide on their next actions
As people attempt to escape the violence, a new refugee crisis is developing
The leader behind the current violence is Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, commonly known as Hemeti. He is a former Janjaweed commander – the same Janjaweed militia behind the Darfur Genocide. Horrific atrocities continue in Darfur with chemical attacks and widespread rape.
This genocidal military commander is now considered the most powerful man in Sudan’s capital.
Spread the News
As part of the military crackdown, the government has cut off internet access across the country. This makes it difficult for protesters to communicate with each other or to tell the outside world what is going on in Sudan right now.
This is why we are here, telling you about this now. Because for the Sudanese people to get the help they need, people need to know what is happening.
Call your member of Congress. Call 202-224-3121. State your zip code. Once you’re connected, tell them that you support helping the people of Sudan. You can also send them this essay written by George Clooney, who has been working in South Sudan for years, explaining why and how Congress should help the people of Sudan.
Use ResistBot to text your members of Congress. Text RESIST to 50409. It will help you contact your members of Congress and tell them to help the people of Sudan.
Donate to UNICEF which helps the children displaced by the conflict.
Donate to Save the Children which has been working in Sudan since 1984.
Donate to the International Rescue Committee which has been fighting malnutrition and helping displaced families in Sudan since 1989.
Sign this Change.org petition demanding that “The UN must investigate the 3rd of June human rights violations in Sudan by the Military.”
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