Sudan Defenders August Newsletter
Executive Summary
Greetings from Sudan Defenders!
August was a historic month as we officially launched the Sudan Human Rights Defenders Coalition (Sudan Defenders) Office at the Human Rights House in Nsambya, Kampala, on August 8, 2024. This office will serve as a safe space for human rights defenders (HRDs) working amidst the volatile situation in Sudan. We were honored to host 60 guests during the lauch from various organisations and individuals.
Although the initial plan was to establish the Sudan Defenders Coalition office in Sudan, the ongoing conflict, now over a year-long, has made that impossible. We are, however, grateful to have a safe space for our operations in Kampala, Uganda. The launch of this office marks a significant step in providing HRDs with the support they need in their relentless battle. HRDs in Sudan face immense challenges, including constant attacks from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan Army Forces (SAF), as well as other warring factions. The civic space is continually shrinking, making it increasingly difficult for HRDs to effectively monitor, document, and report the widespread human rights violations taking place in the country.
The office was officially launched by Hassan Shire, Executive Director of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (DefendDefenders) and Chairperson of the Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network (PAHRD-Net). His leadership has been instrumental in the formation, strengthening, and ongoing support of our coalition. I am particularly grateful for the contributions of Majid Maali, the Sudan Country Coordinator at DefendDefenders, whose dedication helped turn this vision into reality. I also want to extend my gratitude to the entire Sudan Defenders team, whose hard work ensured the success of the launch.
Back home, the Geneva talks were instrumental in showcasing the power of international diplomacy in addressing the acute hunger and famine caused by the war. These talks led to the opening of the Adre crossing on the Sudan-Chad border, with estimates suggesting that this access route will enable aid groups to reach 20 million people with lifesaving food, medicine, and other essential aid. The reopening of this critical corridor is a step in the right direction toward alleviating the widespread suffering of the people of Sudan.
In this edition, we bring you the powerful testimony of a Sudanese Human Rights Defender (HRD) who has faced unimaginable challenges during the recent floods and shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). As the ongoing conflict and natural disasters continue to devastate communities, HRDs like Mohammed Suliman stand resilient, working tirelessly to protect human rights despite the
immense personal and collective losses they endure. Through his story, we aim to shed light on the harsh realities on the ground and honour the bravery of those committed to defending human dignity under the most extreme conditions.
I invite you to read our August Newsletter.
Adam Musa Obama Executive Director
Updates on Sudan
Highlights with infographics
According to Medecins Sans Frontieres,27 August 2024, marked 500 days of Death, Displacement and Destruction in Sudan since 15th April 2023.
According to Radio Dabanga, as of 26 August 2024, there have been
138 deaths as a result of rain and floods cumulatively, in a number of affected states, amounting to 10 states, including 50 localities, and 434 regions.
According to the Sudan Tribune, as of 17 August 2024, there have been 354 Cholera infections and 22 deaths.
According to Radio Dabanga, on 26 August 2024, 38 trucks crossed the Adre border from Chad into Sudan carrying much-needed emergency shelter and non- food items, food, livelihood, and nutrition supplies.
Humanitarian Impact
The severe floods caused by the rainy season in Sudan have significantly disrupted the distribution of food and medicine. On 17 August, Sudan’s Health Minister reported a sharp increase in cholera cases within 3 weeks since the first suspected case, with 354 infections and 22 deaths amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. The floods and heavy rains have obstructed access to the World Food Programme’s Kosti hub, which is crucial for delivering aid across conflict lines to populations in White and Blue Nile states, the Greater Kordofan region, and parts of Darfur.
In August aerial bombardments and shelling continue to escalate in Sudan:
On 20 August 2024, intense airstrikes targeted the areas of Al-Nasr and Al- Takamul. The air force dropped four explosive barrels, resulting in the destruction of the Al-Nasr Health Centre and loss of life.
On 21 August 2024, the Al-Kuma locality in North Darfur State was struck by an aerial bombardment carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), leading to the loss of lives among people and livestock.
On 26 August 2024, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled the Abu Shouk IDP Camp market in North Darfur with four artillery shells, causing loss of life and disrupting economic activities, which led to a rise in market prices.
The RSF repositioned artillery previously used near the Signal Corps in Bahri to shell Omdurman. They were observed transporting cannons on trucks and positioning additional artillery north of Khartoum Bahri to target areas in Omdurman’s northern countryside. These attacks have led to significant infrastructure destruction and affected the transportation of vital relief aid across the Nile from Omdurman.
Advocacy and Policy
On 27 August,2024 DefendDefenders published a Q&A document ahead of the 57th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC57, 9 September–11 October 2024). The document addresses key questions that may arise as States consider
their position on extending the FFM’s mandate to Sudan before the Council’s 57th session. During this session, the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) to Sudan will present a written report.
The Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan was established during the Human Rights Council’s 54th session (11 September–13 October 2023), following a call by civil society and a special session held on 11 May 2023. The FFM was tasked with investigating and establishing the facts, circumstances, and root causes of all alleged human rights violations, abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law, including those committed against refugees, in the context of the ongoing armed conflict that began on 15 April 2023.
Relief Efforts
On 15 August, 2024, the Transitional Sovereignty Council reopened the key Adre crossing from Chad for three months to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, following a six-month closure. This reopening allowed the delivery of essential food and medication to Darfur, aimed at providing relief to 13,000 people in
immediate need. The Adre crossing, was reopened due to significant diplomatic efforts led by the United States. U.S. involvement was instrumental in facilitating negotiations and reaching an agreement that allowed for the resumption of operations at this strategic crossing. These efforts were bolstered by recent talks in Geneva, which focused on humanitarian access, security arrangements, and cross- border cooperation.
By 26 August 2024, 38 trucks had crossed from Chad into Sudan through Adre, delivering 1,253 metric tons of emergency shelter, non-food items, food, and nutrition supplies, benefiting approximately 119,000 people.
Following discussions between the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, an agreement was reached for the UN to work
with Sudanese authorities to create a streamlined system for expedited humanitarian aid delivery.
This reopening is particularly crucial as the alternative border crossing from Chad into Darfur via Tine has become largely impassable due to heavy rains, leaving around 30 trucks with WFP assistance stranded at a flooded river for nearly a month
Human Rights Violations
The diversion of humanitarian assistance by the RSF, SAF, and joint warring parties involves exerting pressure on aid providers in their controlled areas and manipulating distribution methods. These tactics aim to use aid as a tool to
pressure opponents in the conflict or to coerce civilians and the international community. The disruption in the delivery of humanitarian aid has led to the loss
of thousands of civilian lives due to hunger, disease, malnutrition, war injuries, and environmental pollution.
In continuation of their violations and bombing of civil institutions and residential neighborhoods, the Rapid Support militia destroyed the Sub-Saharan Private
College through artillery shelling yesterday on 25August. The destruction included large parts of the college, including the great hall, the laboratory, the morgue, and other buildings. This is the second bombing of the private college located in the western sector of El Fasher There were approximately 17 dead victims and more than 40 wounded.
On 25 August 2024, Professor Abdulaziz Al- Geneina alias Parliament,was assassinated by an armed group that infiltrated his home in the Qebbi
Administrative Unit of Habila Locality in West Darfur State. Al-Geneina was one of the defenders.
Sabeel Ibrahim Adam and Ibrahim Adam, volunteers at Al Daein Teaching Hospital and Ibrahim Adam, died in air strikes by SAF.
Updates on Support provided to HRDs by DefendDefenders and SudanDefenders/ Engagements
Actions by SudanDefenders and DefendDefenders
Office Launch
On 8 August, Sudan Defenders officially opened their offices dedicated to supporting Sudanese Human Rights Defenders. The office launch had over 60 guests from different organisations in attendance and had speeches from 10 speakers. There was also a presentation of certificates of appreciation to individuals who had played a key role in SudanDefenders establishment and journey.
Holistic Physical, Digital, and Well-being training for exiled Sudanese HRDs 19- 23 August:
The OHCHR Sudan office in collaboration with DefendDefenders conducted a five-day holistic safety training for the members of SudanDefenders, the training brought together 19 exiled Sudanese HRDs in Uganda (6 male, 13 female). Participants were equipped with basic knowledge and tools to enhance their safety and security. In addition, participants were taken through the Uganda Refugee Act 2006.
Through the Eyes of Mohammed Suliman
34-year-old Mohammed Suliman lived in the Abu Shouk IDP Camp, from 2004. Originally from North Darfur, El Fasher, Mohammed monitors, reports and documents human rights violations in Sudan, remotely from Kampala, Uganda. He came to Uganda in June 2023, two months after the war broke out in Sudan.
In Uganda, he engaged with DefendDefenders and SudanDefenders and attended a Monitoring, Reporting and Documenting of Human Rights Violations training organized by the Office of the High Commissioner, Darfur Civil Society Human Rights Forum in collaboration with DefendDefenders on 24 May 2024. The skills acquired from the training have enabled him to continue his work monitoring, documenting and reporting Human Rights violations in Sudan
Though he lives in Uganda now, the intense shelling on the Abu Shouk camp and flooding has displaced the family that he left behind. Contact with his family members is limited due to unstable internet and the risks involved in reaching out because of his work as an HRD.
His brother, wife and 5 children moved to Tawila locality in North Darfur while his mother, aunt and 9 cousins were displaced to Zam Zam IDP camp. His sister and her 7 children were displaced to East Jabel Mara mountains in South Darfur.
“I hope that both international and national organisations will help and provide food and medication to the Sudanese and stop the war in Sudan.”
Despite the dire situation facing his family and countless others in Sudan, Mohammed clings to hope that one day he will be reunited with his loved ones in a peaceful Sudan. His heart breaks as he witnesses the severe shortages of food, medication, and shelter exacerbated by the floods, movement restrictions, and relentless shelling by the SAF and RSF. Mohammed urgently appeals to both national and international organisations to extend their support and relief to those suffering in Sudan. His plea is not just for aid, but for a lifeline to those caught in the crossfire, striving to survive in a land ravaged by conflict.
He also called for an end to the war