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Sudanese Government and Rebel Alliances Sign Peace Agreement

DWAG welcomes the signing of the peace agreement between the Sudanese interim government leaders and the opposition groups as a great step toward stability in Sudan and urges the parties and mediators to make an effort to bring onboard non-signatories and put forth accountability measures that will ensure demonstration of political will for implementation. We further call for the prioritization of human security and the protection of civilians in Darfur and other crisis-affected regions as an initial step for peace in Sudan.

On October 3rd, Sudanese government leaders along with crucial members of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) gathered at the South Sudanese capital, Juba, to sign a comprehensive peace agreement. With a large international, regional, and local presence in Juba, the signing ceremony on October 3rd has long been anticipated. 

Coined by SRF’s Security General as a historic day for Sudan and an end to the war, the peace agreement promises a better reality for the country and a resolution to the conflict. However, implementation of the written policies and procedures leave many weary of the significance of the agreement and whether a notable change will follow through. The absence of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) at the signing ceremony also reflect substantial challenges to the peace process.

The peace deal sets out the terms for the start of a transitional period of three years and accentuates fundamental concerns of Sudan’s crises in five central tracks (Darfur, the Two Areas, central Sudan, eastern Sudan, and northern Sudan). After a year of intensive negotiations, the deal includes regional and national inclusion of eight core protocols to be implemented on all five tracks. Addressing issues of the integration of rebels forces into security forces as well as political representation, power-sharing, and economic rights, the agreement acknowledges and attacks root causes of conflict in Sudan, including governance, justice, equality, identity, religion, and land distribution. 

According to the security arrangements protocol, a new force of at least 12,000 will be installed in Darfur. Half of the group will consist of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and police and security officers while the other half would consist of former rebels. The force is mandated to enforce civilian protection in conflict-affected regions, which would include Darfur. To address concerns over humanitarian relief, the return of displaced individuals and refugees, compensation, and redevelopment, the agreement proposes autonomy for the Two Areas and restoration of a single Darfur region to allow for a significant reduction of power in conflicted regions and an allocation of resources and aid where needed. On the topic of transitional justice, the Sudanese government also promises to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the transfer of the ICC indictees to face trial. Under the power-sharing protocol, 40% of power would be established by members of the Darfur track, 10% would be allocated to movements that signed the agreement, 30% of power to the government, and 20% to the Darfur leaders. 

On paper, the peace agreement signifies a great deal of progress for the Sudanese people as concerns of fundamental issues of civilian security, justice, and representation appear to ultimately be acknowledged and confronted by the Sudanese government. However, the execution of policies will be gradual and challenging for Sudan. DWAG, and many others, remain skeptical of the peace agreement and the absence of the two powerful rebel groups reinforce the uncertainty that will ensue the signing ceremony. With a history of signing partial deals, Sudan often lacked the political resolve and commitment to materialize its policies towards peace-keeping and implement them on the ground. 

For the millions still living in displacement and refugee camps, peace is not simply an agreement between leaders and celebration but the recognition of and commitment to their safety and security. It is the restoration of their stolen land, a sense of justice against their struggles with lawlessness, and a guarantee of their safe return to their lands of origin.  

DWAG, therefore, calls on all parties to ensure that peace must be inclusive and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the affected communities. We further call on all parties to allow for a detailed step-by-step plan for capacity-building and an increase in the participation of women on all levels of decision-making pertaining to peace agreements, their implementation, and the interim process. 

We call on the international community and the regional actors overseeing the peace process in Sudan to ensure that peace must be inclusive and accountability measures must be put in place to hold all parties accountable if they fail to implement the agreement.

We further call on the Sudanese interim government as well as the regional and international stakeholders to make an effort to bring both the Sudanese Liberation Movement — the largest Darfuri opposition group, led by Abdel Wahid El Nur — and Abdelaziz Al-Hilu of Nuba Mountains to address their concerns, respond to their demands and retrieve their signatures to ensure that peace and security arrangements are complete, comprehensive, and sustainable.

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International Day of Nonviolence Statement

In commemoration of the International Day of Nonviolence, DWAG would like to condemn all forms of violence, particularly violence against women. As you may know, the historical crisis in Sudan has been characterized by violence and systematic attacks against innocent civilians. For thirty long years, former president Omar al-Bashir has led a bloody regime, responsible for the brutal abuse and genocide against millions in Darfur. Coined by the United Nations as the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century, the atrocities in Darfur now persist as a daunting reminder of the catastrophic consequences of violence left unchecked and injustice unaccounted for. The conflict in Darfur has since spilled over to neighboring areas in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile, both areas severely impacted by the detrimental effects of long-term crises.

For decades, the Darfur region has seen political leaders abuse power to promote genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic rape as a weapon of war without repercussions whilst millions suffered from their rule. Violence against women grew and continues to grow in areas like Darfur while the international community fails to address societally-ingrained misogyny. Gender-based violence, including rape, domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and sex trafficking, are utilized to target and demoralize women in their daily lives as a political tool to enforce strict control over women. And despite the recent formation of Sudan’s interim transitional government, millions continue to suffer from the lack of civilian protection and lasting implications from the former regime. Not only are major war criminals like al-Bashir, Ahmed Harun, and Hussein, indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) still at large and have yet to face justice, but violence remains rampant across the country, often instigated by the escalation of attacks from armed groups and lead to disastrous civilian casualties.

Yet despite three decades of insistent conflict, the people of Sudan have chosen to resist Sudan’s legacy of violence. The power of the people shone among the crowds, with typically women and youth at the forefront, who chose to participate in a peaceful movement for change in Sudan despite the brutal response by government forces. If anything, their determination of non-violence and ultimate ousting of al-Bashir has proven that nothing more powerful than a unified non-violence movement can change the rule of force.

DWAG, therefore, calls on the interim government of Sudan, the international community, and the United States to ensure that violence against civilians is stopped for good. Accountability of the perpetrators of violence must be prioritized, to ensure the prevention of future violence. Pursuing justice for the victims is a necessity to ensure that impunity for serious violent crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and gender-based violence is not an option. Empowerment of the historically excluded, the marginalized, and those subjected to violence is particularly crucial towards ultimately stopping and preventing violence. Promotion of the rule of law, in combination with the building of institutional reforms to progress and improve institutional potential, is extremely essential for countries prone to crisis countries such as Sudan in order to replace the rule of force and promote non-violent mechanisms. The provision of resources for independent civil society is critical to sustaining the efforts of the non-violence movement in Sudan and across the globe.

We stand in solidarity with all who have experienced violence including domestic abuse in the United States and other parts of the world and demand that justice for the victims of all forms of violence. Institutional reform is the best answer to change the course of widespread violence everywhere.

Please join us to stand in solidarity and demand justice.

 

With gratitude,

Niemat Ahmadi, DWAG President

And the DWAG team

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More than 100 Dead After Five Weeks of Sudanese Floods

Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is disheartened about the catastrophic floods that have severely damaged homes and displaced people in areas all over Sudan in the past five weeks and further calls for international attention. Since the beginning of August, at least 102 people have died due to the unprecedented floods and extreme rainfall. Affected areas not only include Khartoum, Blue Nile, and Darfur but 17 out of Sudan’s 18 states have been severely impacted by the floods and are in need of critical aid. 

Reports show that 46 more people are reportedly injured while over 64,000 homes were destroyed and more than 5,000 livestock has died. On September 5th, Sudan declared a state of emergency for a period of three months after half a million people lost their homes and over 100 have died. Radio Dabanga recently featured a video of a minibus, overturned and pinned down against rushing currents, with five passengers. In the area of Mafaza, a tornado destroyed schools and homes and led to great losses in neighboring villages. According to journalist Mohamed El Ameen, 30% of the people in the Red Sea state have fled their homes and water levels will continue to rise. On September 10th, record-breaking water levels threatened to ruin the ancient town of Merowe, home to important archaeological sites and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

As of September 11th, the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Yasir Abbas, announced at a press conference that the unprecedented water levels and immense severity of the disaster were likely due to the narrowing of the river bed caused by urbanization. The Director of the Sudanese Civil Defense has called on the government to devise radical and practical legislation to prevent further house building near riverbeds and to safely relocate impacted people to safe spaces. 

The government, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector have responded with emergency assistance to affected families, but the initial forecast of 250,000 people affected was surpassed and a shortage of supplies and deliveries continue to leave many more helpless. The Floods Task Force currently coordinates humanitarian responses and government aid, but immediate care from the international community is urgently needed.

The coming days will be extremely difficult for the people of Sudan especially those who are already vulnerable and dealing with the long-standing crises. Everyone is on high alert and predicts emergency public health crises and the spread of communal diseases to increase.

DWAG, therefore, continues to call on the Interim Government of Sudan to take immediate action in the resolution of the crisis. This includes making a public statement announcing their plans for relief, particularly for the affected communities in Darfur and the remainder of the country, and follow-up efforts in meeting the needs of people displaced by the floods while also searching for those still missing. DWAG furthermore calls on international humanitarian organizations, including the UN agencies operating in Sudan, to work toward providing food, clean water, and safe shelter and adequate health assistance to avert major health crises. 

Only a joint effort by the Sudanese Government and international agencies can resolve this natural catastrophe. DWAG hopes to see decisive action for the sake of all victims affected. 

The people of Darfur are already vulnerable due to longstanding crises, and now the flood has exacerbated their suffering. Please join us to urge the interim government of Sudan and humanitarian agencies to stand up for the flood victims in Darfur.

 

Photo Credits: Radio Dabanga “Wad Madani, the capital of El Gezira, in August 2016 (RD)”

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Al-Bashir of Sudan and the Genocide Crimes

Former president of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, and two other indictees, Abdelraheem Hussein and Ahmed Haroun, all of whom have been charged with genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC), are in Sudanese custody. Two months ago, Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok announced that the “government is fully prepared to co-operate with the ICC to facilitate access to those accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.”[1] The peace agreement initialed on August 31 between the Sudanese interim government and rebel groups also declared their joint commitment to fully cooperate with the ICC indictments. Mere collaboration with the ICC is not enough—the complex situation on the ground in Sudan and sensitive nature of these individuals’ trials necessitate a full extradition to the Hague. No documented progress towards cooperation or extradition has taken place.

 

Elements of Sudan’s own interim government and the international community agree that a full extradition to the Hague is in order. In February of this year, Mohammed Hassan al-Taishi, a member of Sudan’s sovereign council, announced that those wanted by the ICC would be handed over.[2] Still, Prosecutor of the ICC Fatou Bensouda said in June 2020 in an official statement that “the Court has yet to receive official communication from the Government of Sudan relating to any agreements reached in respect of the Court’s pending arrest warrants.”[3] There is no indication that the Government of Sudan has formally contacted the ICC since.

 

The Sudanese domestic courts have only sentenced al-Bashir to a two year prison sentence for financial corruption. They have yet to appropriately address his more serious domestic charges, which focus on his role in the 1989 coup and his brutal repression of protests during his 20-year reign.[4] At the International Criminal Court, al-Bashir would face charges that include five counts of crimes against humanity, two counts of war crimes, and three counts of genocide.[5] When the ICC issued the arrest warrant for al-Bashir in 2009, he became the first and only sitting head of state wanted by the ICC. Under his regime, approximately 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million people were forced to flee from their homes. He oversaw the murder, forcible transfer, direct attack, and rape of thousands of civilians. The ICC’s charges hold al-Bashir accountable for the suffering he caused in Darfur.

 

It is crucial that al-Bashir answer for his crimes at the International Criminal Court. He must be held accountable for the atrocities that took place at his instruction. Darfur Women Action Group constantly called on the interim government to fulfill its legal obligation and arrange for a full extradition of al-Bashir and the other wanted criminals to the Hague. Recently both parties to the peace negotiations in Juba agreed to cooperate with the ICC and details of the criminals’ transfer will be included in the final Sudan peace agreement to be signed October 3rd.  Sudan must follow through on this commitment and comply with the ICC indictments. Today, accountability for the crime of genocide must not be a negotiation. The people of Darfur deserve justice.

By: Kylie Henry

 

[1] https://www.voanews.com/africa/sudan-ready-cooperate-icc-over-darfur-pm-says

[2] https://www.npr.org/2020/02/12/805128901/ousted-leader-of-sudan-to-face-war-crimes-charges-in-the-hague

[3] https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=200610-otp-statement-darfur

[4] https://af.reuters.com/article/idAFKBN25S4WQ

[5] https://www.icc-cpi.int/darfur/albashir

 

kylie

Bio: Kylie Henry is a junior at the George Washington University where she studies International Affairs with a minor in Economics. She hopes to pursue a career in international law after graduation. Kylie’s passion for genocide prevention and punishment began when she read Ambassador Power’s book, “A Problem From Hell.” She is currently the Outreach intern for Darfur Women Action Group, where she works to support DWAG’s mission to advocate for and empower genocide survivors.

 

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Escalation of Violence in Kassala – Eastern Sudan

The Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) would like to express our grave concern over the escalation of events that happened last week due to the appointment of Kassala’s new civilian governor, Saleh Ammar, and the multiple casualties and injuries sustained during the violence that followed. In Eastern Sudan, reports of increased property damage and displacement since the peak of the conflict are still raising concern over the situation in Kassala.

On Tuesday, August 25th, a man was killed and 17 others were injured when opponents and supporters of Ammar’s appointment clashed in Kassala. The acting governor instilled a curfew for the next three days and deployed police and security forces to the town, and Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok ordered the “imposition of the prestige of the state and the Rule of Law” in the eastern Sudanese state. Saleh Ammar resided in Khartoum at the time and has postponed his arrival to the town due to the violence. On the next day, thousands of residents marched on the streets in support of the governor, demanding his speedy arrival to Kassala and ignoring the curfew. The demonstration continued peacefully as supporters urged the Sudanese government to allow Ammar’s return in the next 72 days.

For the next two consecutive days, violence erupted again in Kassala, leaving four dead and dozens of others wounded. Hundreds of people looted the Kassala Grand Market and set fire to shops before security forces dispersed the crowd. The violence occurred during the opposition protests in town when thousands of tribesmen marched through the Freedom Square, calling for the replacement of Ammar. 

Prime Minister Hamdok formed a ministerial delegation to Kassala to assess the situation, which concluded that much of the “growing chaos” in the town was due to the slow reaction from security forces to the Kassala violence and a lack of trust between civilians and armed forces due to their history of violence. A separate delegation was sent to the town for a peaceful coexistence initiative while the curfew in Kassala has been extended and a state of emergency was declared. 

However, the people in Kassala have grown weary of the violence. There has been an increase in people leaving the town and seeking refuge in neighboring areas. Shopkeepers are relocating their goods after the violence in the Grand Market, and meanwhile, activists are holding a vigil in Khartoum for the swift arrival of the new governor. 

The appointment of civilian governors has been a long-standing goal of the people since the revolution, but the mass disruptions caused by Saleh Ammar’s position in office expose a deeply rooted resistance to change prevalent among various groups in Sudan, despite the agreements made about a year ago. These disruptions have now cost multiple civilian lives as clashes re-emerge once again in Sudan. 

As Prime Minister Hamdok’s delegation revealed, the insistent violence in these areas is not isolated incidents but a part of a deeply political and social crisis regarding reform in Sudan. Militia, police, and other security forces have lost the trust of the people they are mandated to protect and with good reason. As frequent perpetrators of violence in Sudanese towns, groups such as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have not yet been held accountable for their crimes and continue to instigate violence on the streets. Not only does this endorse fear and insecurity among residents in Sudan, but it also discloses the numerous issues prevailing in the current Sudanese law enforcement and justice systems. Immediate effective action must be initiated in the state to put an end to the violence that proceeds to torment innocent Sudanese lives to this day. 

Prime Minister Hamdok must learn to not only take responsibility for and acknowledge the growing number of casualties and injuries across Sudan but also to apply proper measures to ensure and enforce the protection of civilians. DWAG calls upon the Sudanese government to act swiftly in response to people’s demand regarding their choice of who should be governing their state and take effective measures to halt violence among civilians. DWAG would further urge the international community to remain vigilant to the conflicts in Sudan as UN peacekeeping forces with a Chapter (VII) seven mandate must be readily deployed to ensure the safety of Sudan as well as the accountability of militia forces. International intervention is imperative to de-escalating the violence and in preserving the lives of the Sudanese people.

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One Year Since Constitutional Declaration: Mass Demonstrations Leave Many Injured and Detained

The Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) expresses deep concern about the cruel treatment of demonstrators by government forces on August 17th, the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Constitutional Declaration. Thousands—organized by the Resistance Committees—marched in Khartoum as well as in various parts of Sudan with demands to correct the course of the revolution. Many have been injured, and at least 77 protesters have been detained in one day. 

A year ago, Sudan’s Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) signed the Constitutional Declaration, introducing the formation of the current Sudanese interim government. Held in the capital Khartoum, the signing ceremony began the interim period of 39 months, where the two parties compromised on matters of Sudan’s militia, including the status of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

Regrettably, one year later, the recent escalation of violence across the country and failure from the government to protect civilians as well as hold those responsible accountable has led thousands to march on the streets, demanding change. Amid heavy police presence, the people called for the restructuring of the regular armed forces and the FFC as well as justice, peace, and an immediate start to the formation of the Legislative Council. The demonstrations erupted in violent clashes from the protesters and the police, who used tear gas against the demonstrators’ barricades. As reported by Radio Dabanga, there were multiple hit-and-run cases and the exact number of injuries and arrests are to be determined.

The Sudanese Central Doctors Committee, the Sudanese Women’s Union, and the Sudanese Professionals Association condemned the violent dispersal of peaceful demonstrations. The people called for Prime Minister Hamdok to take responsibility and personally address their memorandum, but he was reportedly “unavailable.”

DWAG stands with the Sudanese people and strongly urges the interim government to live up to its commitment and meet the aspirations of those who have paid the highest price for a change in Sudan. Thousands have repeatedly called out on the intensification of violence and injustice rampant all across Sudan, but one year has passed since the government promised its people reform and peace, and no effective action has been implemented to ensure their protection. The violent outbreaks prior to the Constitutional Declaration anniversary prove that local militia are far from capable of ensuring stability across Sudan, and the police clashes during Monday’s protests further reinforces the violent tendencies of government forces towards civilians. 

DWAG strongly urges the Sudanese interim government not only to listen to the demands of the Sudanese people but also to apply and enforce strict measures towards the protection of its civilians as well as the proactive assurance for accountable law enforcement. If the transitional government continues to dismiss the pleas to action, the international community must do their part to intervene to put an end to the ongoing Suffering in Sudan and hold the interim government accountable. DWAG calls upon international forces to assist the civilians in their time of need. One year of constant conflict, violence, and injustice has gone unheeded, and the government has shown prominent trends of negligence towards its people. An independent UN peacekeeping force must be deployed to ensure the safety of civilians across Sudan as well as the accountability of militia forces. Effective action is imperative to put an end to the three decades of killing, protect Sudanese lives, and lead the country toward a just peace with accountability.

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Keep the Spotlight on Sudan: Death Toll Rises in Port Sudan as Fighting Continues

The Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is gravely concerned about the ongoing and escalation of violence and the utter failure of the Sudanese government to protect the civilians of Port Sudan. On August 10th, as reported by Radio Dabanga, clashes between eastern Sudanese Beni Amer and the Nuba tribes resulted in four deaths and about 35 injuries. The violence continued for four consecutive days in Port Sudan despite government curfews and the arrival of military reinforcements. By August 14th, the death toll rose to a total of 34 deaths with 123 others injured. 

This attack is only one of the many violent attacks that have broken out in the past year, but the government has yet to establish peace in the area and end the violence. On the following day, 13 more people were killed and many more sustained injuries. The Doctors Central Committee holds the state government and security committee “fully responsible for the protection of citizens” and that they are “watching what is happening in the state without moving.” 

The Minister of Interior Affairs stated that these attacks were related to previous clashes between the Nuba and Beni Amer tribesmen, which had been resolved in a reconciliation agreement. On August 14th, more than 100 Rapid Support Force (RSF) vehicles arrived in Port Sudan, arresting 85 people involved in violent incidents. 

Since the beginning of August, members of the Port Sudan Resistance Committee have held protests in front of the Council of Ministers in Khartoum, denouncing the state’s negligence of the continued violence in Port Sudan. Recent incidents have left about 150 people killed or injured. DWAG strongly urges the Sudanese government to work towards safety and security for civilians in Port Sudan and to put an end to the violence and racism. Investigations into the tribal fighting must be put on public review to hold accountability for those responsible. Temporary solutions can not stop the endless violence.

The interim government must take effective measures to ensure accountability and a permanent end to these clashes among its citizens. In the event that the interim is unable to resolve, they must resort to the International community to have a neutral investigation and deploy a UN peacekeeping force on the grounds to protect civilian lives. An independent peacekeeping force must be established to ensure the safety of civilians and protect when the local militia can not. The people in Port Sudan have dealt with violence and unrest for too long, and effective action is needed to bring the suffering of the innocent men, women, and children to an end.