Support for Sudanese Academics from the International Academic Community
The Issue
We, the undersigned academics, stand in solidarity with our Sudanese colleagues to demand an end to the al-Bashir regime in Sudan. In doing so, we reject the impact of repressive regimes on societies in general, and academic systems in particular. We call for a democratic transition to a government that guarantees the rights of all Sudanese systems and creates environments in which education and research can flourish.
Call for action
As members of a global academic tradition, we affirm our commitment to our Sudanese peers by:
1. Supporting the January 2019 memorandum issued by our colleagues at the University of Khartoum, seeking the peaceful democratic transition of power in Sudan https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/posts/630615540689735/
2. Calling on our national governments to put pressure on the al-Bashir government to step aside, and to recognise the human rights abuses that are currently underway.
3. Calling on our national governments to reject any efforts to replace Omar al-Bashir with non-democratically elected officials, such as the head of the national security forces https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-sudanese-spy-chief-met-head-mossad-discuss-bashir-succession-plan
4. Raising concerns about the government’s attempts to control information dissemination through the sporadic blocking of internet access to social media platforms
In support of our Sudanese colleagues, the signatories of this letter commit to:
1. Raise awareness of the situation in Sudan amongst peers and university staff
2. Support existing collaborations in Sudan by offering additional support
3. Find ways to support the Sudanese academic community during – and after – this difficult time
As signatories to this letter, we will also be writing to our parliamentary representatives and our embassies in Khartoum to gather information regarding the ongoing situation in Sudan and to express our concern.
Background
International relations with Sudan have been strained since the current regime took power in 1989. Concerns about support for terrorism and human rights abuse led to the imposition of comprehensive economic, trade, and financial sanctions against the Sudan (US in 1997 and subsequently by many other nations). Despite the partial lifting of these sanctions in 2017, the regime under Omar al-Bashir continues in power.
Recent hyper-inflation and a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the government have led to large-scale protests in the last few months. Protesters demand a regime change, and a return to transparent, democratic governance. The al-Bashir government has responded with considerable violence and disturbing reports of sanctioned killings and violent crowd dispersal are beginning to emerge. The government has also intermittently blocked access to social media and news outlets, meaning there has been little coverage in the international press. At present, the majority of the known political parties in Sudan support the continuing up-rise against the regime.
https://www.facebook.com/monticarro/videos/404372860316269/
Sudanese academia
The protest movements have included individuals from all sectors of society. Since the beginning of the protests many Sudanese have been actively involved in supporting calls for democratic change. Last month a number of academics from the University of Khartoum were arrested during a peaceful demonstration.
Sudanese academics both within the country and in the diaspora have called for change within the Sudanese government. Faculty members from the University of Khartoum have released a proposal for the peaceful transfer of power in Sudan. Sudanese American University Professors also released a statement in support of Sudan's Uprising. https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/posts/630615540689735/ https://www.facebook.com/374764126642416/posts/375069343278561/?sfnsn=xwwa&funlid=htjpW8jkWoKAo0aw
Sudanese academic continue to protest the government and fight for the return to democratic governance. Their efforts and bravery must be respected.
https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/videos/292754484775698/
https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/videos/2248830362064290/
https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/videos/438507920021863/
Petition Closed
The Issue
We, the undersigned academics, stand in solidarity with our Sudanese colleagues to demand an end to the al-Bashir regime in Sudan. In doing so, we reject the impact of repressive regimes on societies in general, and academic systems in particular. We call for a democratic transition to a government that guarantees the rights of all Sudanese systems and creates environments in which education and research can flourish.
Call for action
As members of a global academic tradition, we affirm our commitment to our Sudanese peers by:
1. Supporting the January 2019 memorandum issued by our colleagues at the University of Khartoum, seeking the peaceful democratic transition of power in Sudan https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/posts/630615540689735/
2. Calling on our national governments to put pressure on the al-Bashir government to step aside, and to recognise the human rights abuses that are currently underway.
3. Calling on our national governments to reject any efforts to replace Omar al-Bashir with non-democratically elected officials, such as the head of the national security forces https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/exclusive-sudanese-spy-chief-met-head-mossad-discuss-bashir-succession-plan
4. Raising concerns about the government’s attempts to control information dissemination through the sporadic blocking of internet access to social media platforms
In support of our Sudanese colleagues, the signatories of this letter commit to:
1. Raise awareness of the situation in Sudan amongst peers and university staff
2. Support existing collaborations in Sudan by offering additional support
3. Find ways to support the Sudanese academic community during – and after – this difficult time
As signatories to this letter, we will also be writing to our parliamentary representatives and our embassies in Khartoum to gather information regarding the ongoing situation in Sudan and to express our concern.
Background
International relations with Sudan have been strained since the current regime took power in 1989. Concerns about support for terrorism and human rights abuse led to the imposition of comprehensive economic, trade, and financial sanctions against the Sudan (US in 1997 and subsequently by many other nations). Despite the partial lifting of these sanctions in 2017, the regime under Omar al-Bashir continues in power.
Recent hyper-inflation and a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the government have led to large-scale protests in the last few months. Protesters demand a regime change, and a return to transparent, democratic governance. The al-Bashir government has responded with considerable violence and disturbing reports of sanctioned killings and violent crowd dispersal are beginning to emerge. The government has also intermittently blocked access to social media and news outlets, meaning there has been little coverage in the international press. At present, the majority of the known political parties in Sudan support the continuing up-rise against the regime.
https://www.facebook.com/monticarro/videos/404372860316269/
Sudanese academia
The protest movements have included individuals from all sectors of society. Since the beginning of the protests many Sudanese have been actively involved in supporting calls for democratic change. Last month a number of academics from the University of Khartoum were arrested during a peaceful demonstration.
Sudanese academics both within the country and in the diaspora have called for change within the Sudanese government. Faculty members from the University of Khartoum have released a proposal for the peaceful transfer of power in Sudan. Sudanese American University Professors also released a statement in support of Sudan's Uprising. https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/posts/630615540689735/ https://www.facebook.com/374764126642416/posts/375069343278561/?sfnsn=xwwa&funlid=htjpW8jkWoKAo0aw
Sudanese academic continue to protest the government and fight for the return to democratic governance. Their efforts and bravery must be respected.
https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/videos/292754484775698/
https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/videos/2248830362064290/
https://www.facebook.com/626399244444698/videos/438507920021863/
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 11 March 2019