Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is deeply troubled by the disproportionate force that the military-run government has used against civilians protesting its unjust rise to power. These brutal acts of violence being perpetrated against innocent civilians are a further reminder that the Sudanese military cannot be trusted to lead the country and respect the needs, rights, and wishes of its people, even as the international community looks elsewhere.
Yesterday, on October 25, 2022, hundreds of thousands of Sudanese took to the streets in nine states and several cities to mark the first anniversary of the military coup that took place on the same day last year, as well as to call for the return of democracy and civilian governance and the removal of the junta. Peaceful protesters and marchers found themselves braving or taking injuries from tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades at the hands of security forces; at least one died seemingly due to being run over by a military vehicle. This violence is part of a broad and consistent pattern of violence and suppression that the junta has employed to repress its own people throughout the year, with at least 118 people dying as a result.
Additionally, the junta shut down Internet access for mobile phones, which emergency lawyers condemned as a major violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), noting that such an act deprives people of a basic right tied to accessing information, communication, and services, including in regards to education and healthcare.
DWAG calls on the global community to take strong accountability measures and pressure the Sudanese government to cease its brutal repression and restore democracy and civilian leadership. We petition the United States, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and the people of the world to implement the following specific measures:
- Authorize high-level UNSC delegates to investigate all violent incidents.
- Authorize UN/international forces to protect civilians.
- Demand that the Sudanese government opens unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need, fully refrains from the use of violent force and Internet shutdowns, and accelerates efforts to restore democracy and civilian leadership.
- Impose measures of criminal accountability and support the ICC in investigating past and present crimes, as well as bringing the guilty to justice.
- Impose sanctions that target the junta’s will and capability to buy weapons and injure, kill, or repress people, including travel bans and asset freezes.
We at DWAG also encourage our supporters to use their voices and call on their leaders to act swiftly in ending Sudan’s suffering. We must continue speaking up and pushing for accountability. Together, we can make a difference and bring long-lasting peace and stability to Sudan.
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