Introduction to the Crisis

The war between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces has been ongoing for two years, causing immense suffering and destruction to the Sudanese people. This conflict has brought nothing but death, displacement, and suffering, affecting the lives of millions of civilians who are caught in the middle.

The Human Cost

The Sudanese civilians are the primary victims of this conflict, paying a heavy price with their lives, security, property, and future. The continuation of indiscriminate shelling, attacks on villages and cities, sieges, starvation, and serious violations of international humanitarian law must stop immediately. The Sudan Media Forum demands that the two parties to the conflict implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, providing full and necessary protection for civilians throughout Sudan.

The Failure of Military Solution

The military solution has proven to be a failure, and there is no way out of this dark tunnel except through a comprehensive and genuine political process led by the Sudanese themselves. This process should lead to the formation of a credible transitional civilian government that works to achieve sustainable peace and rebuild what the war has destroyed. The government should also safeguard the dignity and basic rights of citizens, guarantee democratic freedoms, and ensure the freedom of the press and expression.

External Interference

The Sudan Media Forum strongly condemns all forms of external interference in Sudanese affairs, which fuels the conflict and directly contributes to prolonging it. The Forum demands that all regional and international parties immediately cease interfering in this conflict and leave the Sudanese to determine their own destiny.

International Responsibility

The international community and its humanitarian institutions have a moral and legal responsibility towards the Sudanese people. They should intensify and expand the scope of urgent humanitarian assistance in all its forms, ensuring its safe and unhindered access to all affected and needy people throughout the country. This will help alleviate the severity of the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.

Support for Civil Society

The international community should also provide necessary and sustainable support to Sudanese civil society institutions, including human rights organizations and independent media. This will enable them to play their vital role in monitoring violations, defending public freedoms, denouncing war crimes committed against civilians, and contributing to efforts towards achieving justice and national reconciliation.

Conclusion

The Sudan Media Forum reiterates the necessity of ending this war immediately, providing protection for civilians, stopping external interference, and engaging in a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue that leads to a democratic civilian government fulfilling the people’s aspirations for peace, freedom, and justice. It is time for the international community to take action and support the Sudanese people in their quest for a better future. The world cannot afford to remain silent in the face of such suffering and injustice. #SilenceKills #NoTimeToWasteForSudan #StandWithSudan #SudanMediaForum

Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

The situation in Sudan is becoming increasingly dire, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced and in need of aid. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated, leading to a collapse in security, health, and environmental conditions.

The Crisis in Al-Fashir

The city of al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State, has been particularly affected by the fighting. The city is home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, many of whom are living in camps such as Zamzam and Abu Shouk. However, with the recent escalation in violence, many of these people have been forced to flee, seeking safety in other areas.

A Glimmer of Hope

In a positive development, the Sudanese army-led government has announced that it has approved a UN request to establish logistical supply bases around al-Fashir. This will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need. The Head of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, received a phone call from UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, to discuss the possibility of delivering aid to al-Fashir.

The Scale of the Crisis

The numbers of people affected by the crisis are staggering. Nearly 300,000 residents of Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps have arrived in Tawila area since the beginning of this month, while an estimated 500,000 from other IDPs camps have fled to the area during the past few weeks. The Coordination of Camps for the Displaced and Refugees in Darfur has reported that the situation is dire, with many people in need of food, shelter, and medical care.

Conclusion

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is a complex and challenging issue, with many different factors at play. However, with the approval of the UN request to establish logistical supply bases around al-Fashir, there is hope that aid can be delivered to those in need. It is essential that the international community continues to support efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The people of Sudan deserve our support and assistance during this difficult time, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they receive the help they need.

Introduction to the Trial

A significant trial began in Port Sudan, marking a crucial step in the pursuit of justice amidst Sudan’s ongoing war. The trial involves 16 senior leaders of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including its top commander, Mohamed Hamadan Daglo, also known as Hemedti. They face charges related to the murder of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abdallah Abakar in June 2023.

Background of the Case

The charges against the RSF leaders stem from a violent assault on Governor Abakar’s compound in the city of El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur. This incident occurred just a month after the outbreak of conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Governor Abakar was abducted, killed, and his body was reportedly mutilated, sparking national and international outrage and calls for accountability.

The Charges and Defendants

During the opening session of the trial, presiding judge Mamoun Al-Khawad announced that the defendants are charged under several articles of Sudanese law. These charges include murder, terrorism, cybercrimes, and violations of military conduct. Alongside Hemedti and his brother Abdelrahim, the accused include Goni Hamadan Daglo, former West Darfur deputy governor Tigani Tahir Kharshoum, and Major General Abdelrahman Jumaa, the RSF commander for East Darfur.

Proceedings and Evidence

The court confirmed that it had formally summoned the accused to appear but noted that they are currently in hiding. As a result, the proceedings will continue in their absence. Judge Al-Khawad clarified that the defendants do not qualify for court-appointed legal defense under article 135 of Sudan’s criminal procedures law, which only applies to those unable to afford representation. Sudan’s Attorney General, Fateh Mohamed Issa Tayfour, emphasized the state’s commitment to justice, stating that the prosecution has built a strong case supported by audio-visual evidence, written records, and witness testimonies.

International Reactions and Implications

The murder of Governor Abakar became one of the most emblematic atrocities in the early months of the war. Human rights groups and UN agencies have documented a pattern of violence against the non-Arab Masalit community in the region, blaming the RSF and its allied militias for widespread killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement. Internationally, the killing of Khamis Abakar and other reported atrocities by RSF forces have prompted strong reactions, including sanctions from the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom against senior RSF leaders.

Conclusion

The trial of the RSF leaders is a significant step towards justice in Sudan, marking a rare attempt to bring top military figures to justice during an ongoing conflict. While the outcome of the trial remains uncertain, the proceedings represent a bold legal and political move amid Sudan’s deepening crisis. The international community watches closely, hoping that this trial will set a precedent for accountability and pave the way for peace and justice in the region.