10 January , 2019
PRESS STATEMENT
African Network on International Criminal Justice (ANICJ) strongly condemns the continued killings and violations of human rights of citizens in Sudan and calls on President Omar Al Bashir to step down as demanded by the people to pave way for drastic democratic reforms in Sudan.
Fueled by 29 years of frustration as a result of a corrupt government that has led the country to economic crises and unbearable daily living conditions, the citizens have resulted to protest to voice out their plight and demand for change.
Over the years, Sudan has experienced series of civil war and severe economic crises. The president Omar Al Bashir has led a corrupt government leading to war crimes and crimes against humanity. An arrest warrant was issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 4 March 2009 and later on 12 July 2010 but no arrest was made.
The diplomatic engagement between the U.S and Sudan is as a result of the armed conflict that erupted in Sudan in 2013, human rights violations have once again resurfaced and the government is mute to these actions carried out by the security forces.
However, these recent happenings in Sudan are long overdue. Civilians decided to take matters into their hands, albeit with consequences. On the 16th of December, peaceful demonstration started in different cities with youths and university students leading the protest and demanding for political rights and freedom of expression. The National Congress Party (NCP), the Islamist ruling Party & its militia in a bid to stop the demonstrations, targeted civilians by killing about 50 youths and arresting them.
President Al Bashir in his speech, threatened to use all means to stop the demonstrations. In the same vein, Ali Osman, the Ex-Vice president and Islamist leader said he will use his militia to kill protesters on sight. So many lives have been lost and injured in their thousands. Those who speak out are being targeted including Human Rights Defenders.
African Network on International Criminal Justice urges the Sudanese government to discontinue the use of violence to stop protests and make it a priority to ensure the safety of its citizens especially the university students who were arrested and tortured for conducting a peaceful protest as their rights permit. ANICJ also calls on the African Union, the United States as well as other world most powerful countries to condemn these attacks and deploy means to restore peace.
- Chino Obiagwu,
Coordinator African Network on International Criminal Justice, Nigerian Coalition for the International Criminal Court.
- Ali Ouattara,
President, Côte d’Ivoire Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- Burundi Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- Central African Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- Guinean Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- Sudanese Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- International Commission of Jurist Kenya
- Malian Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- Action des Chrétiens pour l’Abolition de la Torture l’Article du Tchad
- Ugandan Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l ‘Homme(RADDHO)
- African Center for Democracy
- Institute for Security Studies- ISS
- Institute of Human Rights Development Africa
- Organisation des Femmes Actives de Côte d’Ivoire
- Moroccan Center of Peace and the Law
- Moroccan Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- Southern African Litigation Centre- SALC
- L’Association des Femmes Juristes du Burkina Faso
- La Coalition Nationale pour la Cour Pénale Internationale de la République Démocratique du Congo
- Chadian Coalition for the International Criminal Court
- Réseau Justice et Développement
