05/15/2019

Uprising of the civil society in Sudan

paramilitaries attack peaceful protesters (Press Release)

The deputy head of the country's military council is commander of the militia, which is also responsible for genocide crimes in Darfur in western Sudan. While many of the Sudanese soldiers sympathize with the protesters, members of the RSF militia tend to treat them ruthlessly. Photo: Enough Project via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Last night, members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) opened fire on peaceful protesters in Khartoum. Using tear gas, truncheons, and live ammunition, the militiamen tried to clear an occupied Nile bridge – but in vain. Six people were killed, and at least twelve more were injured, most of them by gunfire.

The deputy head of the country's military council is commander of the militia, which is also responsible for genocide crimes in Darfur in western Sudan. While many of the Sudanese soldiers sympathize with the protesters, members of the RSF militia tend to treat them ruthlessly.

Last night, members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) opened fire on peaceful protesters in Khartoum. The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) condemned the use of live ammunition in the Sudanese capital: "The militia is responsible for numerous crimes, and it is feared for its brutality. It is said to be even more dangerous than the Sudanese army," warned Ulrich Delius, the STP's director. Using tear gas, truncheons, and live ammunition, the militiamen tried to clear an occupied Nile bridge – but in vain. According to local doctors, six people were killed, and at least twelve more were injured, mostly by gunfire.

The STP fears that the conduct of the militia, which is also responsible for genocide crimes in Darfur in western Sudan, will lead to a further escalation. "As an RSF commander, the deputy head of the military council is responsible for crimes against humanity – a serious problem with regard to a democratic renewal in Sudan," Delius explained. "General Mohamed Hamdan, who is also known as Hemeti, is a criminal – and he is responsible for genocide crimes. He should be tried at the International Criminal Court in The Hague instead of being able to hold one of the top positions in the leadership of a democratic Sudan."

Thousands of RSF militia officers are currently controlling strategic transportation hubs in Khartoum. While many of the Sudanese soldiers sympathize with the protesters, members of the RSF militia tend to treat them ruthlessly. The army and the RSF don't trust each other. According to the Society for Threatened Peoples, there are deep divisions between the regular armed forces and the legalized killer gangs, which were founded by the ousted dictator Bashir. The RSF has left a trail of devastation, mourning, and plundering in all conflict regions of Sudan. "It is scandalous that states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have recognized the military council as the legitimate government of Sudan," Delius emphasized.

Yesterday evening, there had been news that the protesters and the army had agreed on the establishment of a "sovereign council" to govern the country. Now, the attacks by the RSF are to be seen as a serious setback in the efforts towards democracy and peace.

Header Image: Enough Project via Flickr.