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Read, Debate: Engage.
| topic: | Good Governance |
|---|---|
| located: | Sudan |
| editor: | Bob Koigi |
Sudan has descended into anarchy and internecine warfare again as civilians have taken to the streets to oppose the military coup that happened last month. The ongoing crisis has resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people during several security crackdowns.
17 November was the deadliest day of the protests, during which 16 people were shot dead, including a woman and a child. The brute force by security personnel is reminiscent of the 2019 deadly protests that sought the ouster of long-serving despot Omar Bashir.
Now with a transitional government in place and the people's quest for the right to representation in government threatened by the military takeover, the citizens of Sudan have taken to the streets to exercise their constitutional right to protest and demand answers. Yet these freedoms have been violated by bloodthirsty security officers who have beaten, tortured and arrested unarmed protesters.
Some reports have indicated that security forces targeted healthcare facilities, blocking the wounded from accessing medical care and harassing medical personnel. Telecommunication and internet services were also disrupted, restricting people’s right to information at a time when tensions were building up.
And as the elusive peace resumes following a political deal between Abdalla Hamdok, the transitional government’s prime minister, and the military, the country should never forget the lives lost and the violation of their fundamental rights. Perpetrators must be brought to court and Sudan must allow for credible investigations, including from non-partisan organisations from outside the country, such as the expert on Sudan designated by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN Joint Human Rights Office in Sudan for justice to prevail. All partners of Sudan should unite in calling for the release of the detained protesters, respect for the right of the Sudan people to peaceful protests and their right to have the representation they desire in government.
These are the first and crucial steps towards returning peace to Sudan.
Image by: smahel
