16/04/2024
We are highlighting voices from civilian actors these days. Here a statement from SYN 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
Sudanese Youth Network for Ending the War and Establishing a Democratic Civil Transformation
Statement on the one-year anniversary of the April 15 war
As the April 15th 2023 war in Sudan enters its second year, the death toll has risen to over 15,000 with 8 million people internally displaced and nearly 2 million more seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Nine ceasefire attempts have failed to silence the guns. Not only is the fighting continuing but both the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have procured more sophisticated weapons, and the war is expanding into new territories leaving ever greater destruction and death in its wake. Children and youth are being recruited and mobilized by the conflict parties. The war has torn apart the social fabric by dividing citizens along ethnic, regional, religious, and racial lines. The collapse of the already fragile state and civil institutions has led to open season for mass human rights violations including ethnic profiling, harassment and intimidation, forced disappearances, detentions, and killings. Over 4400 reported victims of sexual violence – with doubtless many more undocumented - bear witness to the weaponizing of women’s bodies as a tool of war. The ongoing and expanding conflict and looming starvation pose a risk of further state collapse with potentially grave repercussions – including the potential for Sudan to become a host for violent extremist groups - further threatening the security and stability of the region. The Sudanese people are now only united in our suffering and fear.
Exercising our roles and duties as patriotic citizens, we the Sudan Youth Network offer our condolences to all bereaved who have lost and continue to lose loved ones in this senseless war.
On the somber occasion of its one year anniversary, we share the following messages:
On Cessation of Hostilities
Recognizing the urgent need for the war to stop, we call on the warring parties to heed the innocent Sudanese citizens’ calls for peace and immediately cease hostilities.
On Humanitarian needs
Deeply concerned over the already appalling humanitarian situation and looming humanitarian catastrophe we applaud the commitments made by different governments to support the people of Sudan. We stress the need for safe humanitarian corridors and the urgent delivery of food and other forms of aid, and underscore the need to safeguard the safety and security of all humanitarian workers including volunteers in the different emergency rooms and community initiatives across the country.
On the peace processes
We call attention to the need for an inclusive, representative civilian-led process that upholds the values of the Sudanese Revolution. We urge all regional and international stake-holders to support the inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities, religious minorities as stakeholders in any political civilian process. We further emphasize the need to ensure complimentarity among the different negotiation processes.
On citizenship and ownership
Understanding that peace in Sudan is only possible with the inclusion and participation of all citizens at all levels, we urge our fellow citizens to consider this war an opportunity to unite our voice behind and work to build a democratic Sudan that serves the interests and aspirations of all its citizens.
On the refugee crisis
Applauding the different governments who have welcomed Sudanese refugees in the various refugee camps and capitals of the region, we call on host governments and civil society to continue facilitating access to services like healthcare and education as well as the inclusion of Sudanese cadres into their local work force.
On Advocacy and Solidarity
We deeply appreciate the love and support shown to Sudan globally during these dark days. We urge the governments and the people of the world to . Recognizing the negative role played by some spoilers of peace, we call on all peace-loving countries to sanction all individuals known to have contributed to fanning the flames of war.
On this solemn anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment in working together to end all conflict and build a better future for Sudan and all its people.
No to war, yes to peace
Never forget this country belongs to us,
