Launch of petition on Sudan War

Introduction

A look back at the Kenyan situation of post elections violence of 2007 is that multi lateral institutions e.g UN were here to intervene and stop further blood shed. Any small effort helps to stop a war. If it was done in Kenya in 2007, the same can be done with Sudan War. The established panel was at the level of heads of States.

Sudan as a country has not dealt with underlying issues since the end of colonialism. The 5th anniversary of the fall of Al Shabir exposed this soft underbelly. Promises after 5 years had been ignored and not fulfilled. The 30 years of Al Bashir rule, militias were formed to fight rebel groups. The militias caused displacements by burning homesteads and committing sexual violence The promise to disband these militia groups wasn't fulfilled. 

April 15th 2023 was the breaking point. One major factor is lack of accountability since no one is ever held to account for any violations and yet these violations date back to 30 years ago. 

RSF were gaining territory but they have now began losing territory to SAF. It has become a prolonged war because each side wants to claim victory while at the same time no one is winning. RSF are now starting to use drone attacks so no one is safe within Sudan since the drones reach the most remote areas. Both RSF and SAF have a lot of wealth as well as connections to keep bringing in more arms. 

Civilians are the most affected so they ought to have a say on political resolutions which is currently not the case. 80% of the population in Sudan currently have no access to basic healthcare despite the wide presence of chronic diseases. An estimate of only 20% of hospitals are operational but with minimum impact on society since they have very little medical supplies.

The international community is not interested in demanding ceasefire since they are concentrating with Palestine. Then now attention has shifted to the escalations between Iran and Israel. In Sudan children have been out of school for one year.

The AU has convened twice on the issue of Sudan, roping in EU and USA. There was some deliberate effort between June and July last year but there was a breakdown on how to address the Sudan issue as the roadmaps were not implemented. Heads of States attempt to meet did not happen despite being organized at some point. South Africa has played a big role in Palestine as they even launched a case at the ICJ court. However they haven't played a role on the Sudan crisis. 

There are implications upon neighboring countries:

They have their own economic challenges then they have to accommodate refugees.

Proliferation of arms into the continent since any unstable part of the continent attracts such a market. These arms then lead to instability in other parts e.g Northern Nigeria. 

Recruitment of fighters from SAHEL countries into Sudan. This has an effect on a population that would otherwise be economically productive. 

Apart from the two generals, there are proxies outside Sudan with interest in local natural resources. These proxies are after their own interests which are getting fulfilled as fighting continues. 

We need more people to people solidarity in different parts of the continent. Calls for ceasefire will then automatically follow. We call on influencial countries, Nigeria and South Africa to rise to the occasion. We also call on the UN who have done a disservice to Sudan since they haven't sent any UN personnel on the ground. 

Indiscriminate attacks on civilians is getting out of hand RSF have put up their military bases in areas that are densely populated. This way any small attack upon civilians results into a large number of casualties. There was outrage a year ago which we now don't have and yet it is the presence of outrage that impacts the international community to take action. 

There is widespread under reporting of Sudan crisis on all major international media outlets. This is why 25 media companies in Sudan have partnered in order to try and spread the news on Sudanese sufferings. Today is the launch of a global petitio, calling on UN security council to take action.