Sudanese rights watchdog urges protection of civilians in Abyei

May 20, 2008 — SHRO-Cairo condemns in the strongest terms possible the developing acts of war the State forces of Sudan, namely the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, have been developing against the civilian population in Abyei. The engagement of both armies in unrestrained practices, involving militias of both sides, have seriously escalated the option of war in the area in gross violation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the Abyei Protocol, and international law.

Disturbing news affirmed the destruction of Abyei market and residential areas, causing the displacement of thousands of civilians for whom relief is urgently needed. In the meantime, the Sudanese Armed Forces opened heavy fire in the Hitana and other civilian areas north of Omdurman, terrorizing civilians and adding further abuses of the prevailing state of emergency law.

The Organization received reliable information from families and activists that a day-by-day hunting campaign of Darfuris is effectively pursued by the Government of Sudan’s security and military troops in the National Capital and neighboring areas. Racial terrorism has been extended to the neighboring town of Azazi in the Gezira State of Central Sudan in which arbitrary arrests and disappearances were repeatedly reported. Still, more than 100 identifiable Darfuri citizens, including housewives, lawyers, businesspeople, college students, among other professionals are now firmly considered as cases of disappearance by families and activists (SHRO: May 13, 2008).

The Gosh-led security forces exercised lawless, unrestricted assaults on Darfuri private homes, businesses, and personal life. Besides, corrupting rewards have been allocated in millions of pounds to boost the racist hunt as part of the security plans to capture the leader or even sympathizers of the Justice and Equality Movement in Khartoum and Central Sudan. The International Community must not accept large-scale acts of war against civilians by authorities both nationally and internationally obligated to end the crisis.

We urge the Government of Sudan National Council, Presidency, and South Sudan Government to end immediately the violation of the CPA; stop the escalated hostilities, especially the military operations in Abyei, Darfur, and the National Capital; and prepare the grounds for a peaceful transition of democratic rule by national elections in full compliance with the Interim Constitution of Sudan, the African Union and Security Council resolutions.

The Government should provide immediate relief to the victims of armed conflict in Abyei and Darfur; prohibit all signs or practices of racialist terrorism by government troops against Darfuris in the National Capital; prohibit all signs or practices of racialist terrorism by government troops against Darfuris in the National Capital; release all arbitrarily arrested Darfuris in the National Capital; ensure full legal guarantees and humanitarian provisions for those of them legally charged; and maintain peace and order for all citizens without ethnic or political discrimination.