What it means to “Stand With Darfur”:

The Transitional Military Council (TMC) seized power from civilians when al-Bashir fell. Its notorious Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to threaten civilian safety to this day. On August 20th, 2019, the TMC evolved into the sovereignty council of Sudan (SC) under a direct constitutional declaration. This agreement only strengthens the SC even though some of the current leaders are responsible for carrying out Bashir’s genocide in Darfur. The oppression and violation of the rights of the Sudanese have been going on for far too long. Without accountability, one message is clear to the oppressor: it is possible to get away with murder. We must speak up and demand the perpetrators of genocide be held accountable.

In 2002, Al-Bashir began a genocide that resulted in the deaths of at least 300,000 indigenous Africans in Darfur and the burning of 500 villages. He never stopped. For 18 years, the people of Darfur have been forced to endure endless violence. Over 4.7 million people have been impacted by the Darfur genocide. Three million remain in camps in Sudan and neighboring countries where they are still being subjected to RSF attacks and other instances of violence.

The crisis has only continued to escalate in recent years. In 2016, 171 villages in the Jebel Marra were destroyed with chemical weapons used against civilians. In 2018, UNAMID documented 192 victims of sexual and gender-based violence. In 2019, at least 45 villages were burned in Darfur alongside numerous massacres of civilians who have not seen justice still to this day. These horrifying trends have continued in 2020, with the Sudanese government and international community yet to provide an adequate solution for those who have suffered the most in Darfur. So far, no justice has been delivered to the victims and survivors of Darfur.

Over a decade of impunity

In March 2005, the UN Security Council unanimously referred the case of Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The case of Darfur is the first time the Court rendered the charge of genocide – the most heinous crime under its jurisdiction. The ICC issued the first arrest warrant for al-Bashir on March 4, 2009. The second arrest warrant was issued on July 12, 2010. Arrest warrants for Several of Bashir’s cronies – Ahmad Muhammad Harun, Abdel Raheem Muhammed Hussein, and Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (also known as Ali Kushayb) – were issued around the same time period. 

Al-Bashir is wanted for five counts of crimes against humanity, two counts of war crimes, and three counts of genocide. Yet he, and many others wanted for crimes in Darfur, have not yet been extradited for trial. 

The Sudanese have courageously risen up against al-Bashir and his violent regime. They continue to show the world that they are ready to pay the highest price for a change in their homeland. They came very close to achieve change when they ousted al-Bashir, but there is still much to be done. Change cannot come without reconciling with the past. For this, it is absolutely mandatory that al-Bashir and his conspirators be tried for the genocide in Darfur. Without accountability, there can be no justice. Without accountability, the violence in Sudan and Darfur will only continue.

This is why we appeal to you to stand with us – to defend the rights of the people of Darfur.

To “Stand With Darfur” means to support the people of Darfur in their quest for Freedom, Peace, and, most importantly, Justice.