Sudanese government perceives displaced persons as intruders

Commentary by The Khartoum Monitor

May 25, 2005 — I think we all agree that the phenomenon of internal displacements (IDPs) is not peculiar to Sudan. It is largely by either natural or man-induced disasters or even both. In our case, it is attributed to drought and desertification that hit the Sahelian Zone in the mid-1980s of last century in addition to insurgencies. The bulk of IDPs are from South and West Sudan. What have the successive governments in Khartoum done to relieve these IDPs? The answer is nothing! Despite their varied objectives and goals, successive governments have perceived these IDPs as nothing but intruders who should be evicted forcefully regardless of their fundamental human rights. Whether we like it or not these IDPs are ordinary Sudanese citizens just like the rest of us. They’re entitled to all rights enjoyed by other members of the society. They have the right to shelter, work, food, life, education, health, etc.

The mere fact that they’re IDPs doesn’t justify the brutality of Khartoum government State. If the government was serious, they should have had tangible and humane policies to address the issue of internal displacement. From the start there was no clear policy as to what should be done about these IDPs. In case of IDPs from South Sudan, they could have opted to cross the borders like others and settle in refugee camps erected in neighbouring countries such as Kenya and Uganda. Their understanding was that this is their country and hence they have the right to settle in any part of it. Most of them didn’t have the least idea of how they would be treated by their nephews in North Sudan. Had they known that these nephews are so brutal and aggressive, they might have decided to follow their brothers. I am sure these very humble and simple IDPs would one day determine the fate of Sudan. They may forgive but will never forget the atrocities committed against them. Some of them have already started the season of migration to the south. Certainly there will never be any season of migration to the north again whatsoever conditions. We’re now clear who are the separatists! South Sudan people have been accused of being possessed with separatist intentions. The Sudanese people should know very well who are the people instigating and intimidating south Sudan people for them to go secession when the opportune time comes?

These are the enemies of peace and stability. They don’t want peace and tranquility to prevail in all corners of Sudan. They are used to ‘fishing in muddy/dirty water.’ You hear them claiming that they’re the only people entitled to reside in Khartoum. This is an illusion! Every Sudanese person has the right to reside anywhere including Khartoum. IDPs and other squatters shouldn’t be blamed for government’s failures and mistakes. This continuous forceful eviction of IDPs should come to an end! In less than three weeks the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) would become a full-fledged partner of this government. They will have to see into it that the human dignity of IDPs is restored and they should be treated like other Sudanese people. I am quite sure none of IDPs is willing to stay in this portion of HELL. As soon as peace is realized in their original homes, they would begin the process of return. So let the greedy and evil forces be patient a bit. Unfortunately, there are some people in north Sudan who want to occupy or even confiscate any vacant space. We could even notice that in ordinary residential areas.

For instance, open spaces, which were meant for recreation or provision of social services, have been almost occupied. This is always done under government protection. Which is more serious, this mass occupation of previously open spaces or eviction of place occupied by IDPs? The IDPs would one day go back home. What about those who occupied the open spaces and how is the government going to deal with them? I think that is a time bomb! Let the government be for all rather than discriminating against its own citizens! The concerned UN agencies shouldn’t stay aloof or mind about irresponsible threats posed and/or uttered by enemies of peace in north Sudan and their agents in south Sudan.