What’s Happening in Sudan?

Since April 2023, Sudan’s war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) armed group has become a nightmare. 

Both sides are accused of committing potential war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, weaponizing aid access, and using starvation and sexual violence as weapons of war.   

25 million Sudanese people, which is almost half of the population, are facing famine, mass atrocities, and the largest forced internal displacement and humanitarian crisis in the world. Yet little has been done to end this brutal war, hold leaders accountable, and protect innocent civilians. 

This escalating crisis displaced around 14 million people, of which over  3.1 million fled to other countries, looking for safety. Famine has tragically been declared in parts of the country, for the first time, worldwide, in almost a decade.

In Darfur, the resumption of mass killings has resurfaced grave fears of a new genocide, making the situation more critical than ever. This grim reality is a testament to the dire conditions ordinary civilians in Sudan are facing every day. Their plight for safety, survival, and a peaceful life is a human rights issue that we, globally, cannot ignore. Vulnerable populations, such as women and girls, are experiencing gender-based violence including sexual abuse, exploitation, and slavery. 

This situation is personal for me, and I know it resonates with millions around the world. We must not stand by passively. Let's unify our voices and demand the international community intervene more decisively to protect the civilians in Sudan based on the demands presented by local Sudanese society. Each signature represents a beacon of hope in their struggle. Please, sign this petition, and help protect the civilians of Sudan. 

What does that have to do with the UAE?
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is committing mass atrocities and likely genocide in Darfur today, as they did twenty years ago. 

External forces drive this violence due to their interests in Sudan, the biggest contributor is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE directly supplies arms, cash, and diplomatic cover to the RSF’s rampage. The UAE is sponsoring a genocide. The UAE funds foreign mercenaries worldwide to fight its war in Sudan, with no regard for life.

Our Message is Clear.  

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. 

1. Enough of the United Arab Emirates supporting genocide through Rapid Support Forces and global leaders failing to acknowledge their crimes
2. Enough silencing of Sudanese voices and killing of journalists
3. Enough global complacency and isolation of the Sudanese people, in Sudan and outside, seeking refuge
4. Enough neglecting local Sudanese organizations' efforts and needs
5. Sudanese people are Enough.                                                                                                                                                                       We call on global leaders, agencies, and policymakers to hold the UAE accountable for their crimes, violence, and exploitation of our people and land. We need leaders to protect civilians from all forms of exploitation and violence. Sudanese civic society and local community leaders' voices need to be in the forefront. Sudanese civilians will be protected once these five pillars are met. 

More resources here:

Humanitarian
Sudan crisis: UN launches record country appeal for 18 million in need | UN News

Famine confirmed in Sudan’s North Darfur, confirming UN agencies worst fears (unicef.org)

Sudan’s ‘living nightmare’ continues as 11 million flee war, mass killings | UN News

Sudan Emergency: Population movements from Sudan (11 November 2024) - Sudan | ReliefWeb

UNICEF Sudan Humanitrian Situation Report No. 23 - September 2024.pdf

Sudan Humanitarian Update (1 November 2024) [EN/AR] | OCHA (unocha.org)

Sudan Emergency: Population movements from Sudan (11 November 2024) - Sudan | ReliefWeb

Joint statement: World cannot continue to turn blind eye to Sudan as man-made famine is confirmed in Darfur camp | NRC

Civilian Toll
“Khartoum is not Safe for Women!”: Sexual Violence against Women and Girls in Sudan’s Capital | HRW

A/HRC/57/CRP.6 (ohchr.org)

Civil War in Sudan | Global Conflict Tracker (cfr.org)

Sudan surpasses 100 attacks on healthcare since 2023 armed conflict began - Sudan | ReliefWeb

The role of external actors
sudan_weapons_0924_briefing.pdf

AFR5482522024_SudanArmsEmbargo_EN.pdf

UAE’s Role
UAE is providing arms and troops for RSF in Sudan war

How the UAE kept the Sudan war raging

UAE Must Stop Fueling Sudan Atrocities

The Nuba Mountains: A Window into the Sudan Crisis

Sudan is burning and foreign powers are benefiting – what’s in it for the UAE

It’s an open secret: the UAE is fuelling Sudan’s war – and there’ll be no peace until we call it out

UAE Removed from FATF Grey List, Despite Evidence of Role in Illicit Arms and Gold Trade

Understanding Money Laundering Risks in the Conflict Gold Trade

The real reason the Saudi government is investing in sports. Hint: It’s not to impress you.

The N.B.A. in Abu Dhabi: Big Games, Basketball Clinics and ‘Sportswashing’ Claims

Accountability efforts
UN Security Council sanctions two generals from Sudan’s paramilitary RSF

Security Council 1591 Sanctions Committee Adds Two Entries to Its Sanctions List

Press releases

African Union High Level Panel on Sudan Commences its Work

Joint letter by Oxfam and over 400 humanitarian and human rights organizations to the UN General Assembly calling for the protection of civilians and aid workers

Joint Letter: The EU Must Urgently Act At One Year Of Conflict In Sudan