Memorandum to the African Leaders at the 23rd COMESA Summit tomorrow calls for the rapid deployment of a peace mission to protect civilians in Sudan.
: Alsudanianews Bujumbura, Burundi
Memorandum to the African
The Women’s Coordination Platform for Ending the War and Building Peace expresses its deep concern over the ongoing deterioration of the situation in Sudan. Despite joint efforts to end the war, the most vulnerable groups—women, children, and the elderly—
continue to face all forms of violence due to the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Despite persistent between the Sudanese calls for a ceasefire, the suffering of civilians continues daily, accompanied by unchecked violations that threaten the lives of millions without accountability or oversight. In this context, we emphasize the importance of a Sudanese-led peace process under the auspices of the African Union, which aims to facilitate dialogue among the conflicting parties and foster a sustainable resolution. Such an initiative is critical not only for achieving lasting peace but also for ensuring the protection of civilians and addressing the humanitarian crisis
that has escalated due to the conflict.
The most severe human rights violations have been reported across different regions of
Sudan: In the Gezira region, several villages in central Sudan has experienced mass atrocities, including genocide, organized looting, and widespread forced displacement. Villages such as Al-Sirraha and those near Rifa’a and Timbo have witnessed extreme violence, with reports of nearly 200 civilian deaths. Some people were forced to flee, leaving others under severe distress. Cases of rape targeting women and girls have also been reported, while communication disruptions make it difficult to trace the missing and
assess the situation in these areas. Page1In Khartoum and northern cities, families continue to be displaced from their homes due to the battles, with rising cases of extrajudicial killings. These actions, conducted without legal trials, are in clear violation of international conventions and treaties. Systematic
destruction of homes and infrastructure has also been reported. A recent incident in the Al-Azhari suburb of South Khartoum involved extensive property damage. Entire neighborhoods in Khartoum have become uninhabitable, forcing families to abandon everything they own and leave in search of safety. In Darfur, organized attacks on villages have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, especially women and children. For instance, the fierce fighting in Kutum led to numerous casualties. Reports confirm that women and children are being deliberately targeted, spreading fear and panic throughout the region. We commend and support the efforts of organizations like Sudan Youth Observers Network and Human Rights Watch. As African leaders convene for this summit, we urge you to take concrete steps to protect lives in Sudan. We call on you to urgently deploy a peace mission to safeguard civilians from war crimes and ongoing violations. In light of the escalating violence, increasing violations, and deteriorating economic conditions that now verge on genocide, there is an urgent need for intervention. The continued intransigence of both warring parties obstructs peaceful solutions that could preserve lives and ensure the Sudanese people’s right to life. The platform urges swift intervention, as civilians have become trapped between the hammer of the military and the anvil of the Rapid Support Forces. We speak on behalf of millions of Sudanese women, children, and families suffering from these grave violations. We call for collective efforts to support the deployment of an international mission to halt the war and prevent further abuses, especially those targeting women and girls. The failure of the international community to address this crisis will only deepen
the suffering of millions of Sudanese people and worsen the humanitarian situation. Please accept our highest regard for all your efforts. The Women’s Coordination Platform for Ending the War and Building Peace
Sudan
October 28, 2024
