27 April 2024
Jun 24, 2019 by 500 Words Magazine -

Sudanese Diaspora Organise Protests Against Sudan Massacre

After the wave of #BlueforSudan, the Sudanese diaspora and non-Sudanese protesters from around the world have called on protests against police and government brutality used on protesters in Sudan.

Media for Justice in Sudan (MJS), a collective of Sudanese professionals in the diaspora working to ensure that Sudanese people remain in control of the narrative in the media during the revolution, called on a Global Diaspora Campaign called ‘Ask Me About Sudan’ on 22 June 2019, which aimed to encourage at least six million protesters to go out in public, wear blue and carry a sign saying, ‘Ask me about Sudan’ to bring awareness and educate the public about the ongoing Sudanese revolution and the atrocities the military government has committed on peaceful protesters.

Furthermore, the ‘Ask Me About Sudan’ campaign encouraged protesters to talk to the public about ‘The Sudan Six’, which includes specific actions the intentional community can act on to play a role in supporting or ensuring a successful Sudanese revolution.

The protests came after the dubbed Khartoum or Sudan Massacre took place on 3 June 2019 when Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other paramilitary forces raided the monthslong mass sit-in in Al Qeyada in front of the headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), leaving at least 100 dead and more than 300 injured. At least 40 bodies were pulled out of the Nile River where paramilitary forces attempted to dispose of dead bodies. In addition, residents reported rapes and robberies at the hands of paramilitary forces. Others have been arrested, brutally beaten and even urinated on. The ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) has cut off almost all internet and phone services since the brutal raid.

Ghana

Members of Amnesty International in Ghana took a stand on 18 June 2019, calling for an end to abuses against protesters in Sudan.

Nairobi, Kenya

The demonstration in Nairobi, Kenya took place on 19 June 2019. It was organised by #Africans4Sudan, a coalition of African activists and rights groups, calling for an end to abuses against protesters in Sudan and the establishment of a civilian-led government. The protest turned violent when police teargassed and violently dispersed hundreds of peaceful demonstrators. Police also arrested Kenyan Human Rights Commission (KHRC) deputy director Davis Malombe and activist Julius Kamau although KHRC director George Kegoro said the police had granted KHRC a permit for the demonstration. #Africans4Sudan have previously organised protests in soliditary with protesters in Sudan. This is the second time in less than a week that police disrupted Sudan solidarity protests. Police teargassed and dispersed Kenyan and Sudanese activists protesting ongoing abuses in Sudan on 14 June.

Germany

Bonn

A small demonstration took place on 19 June 2019 in Bonn where protesters stood in a circle, wearing blue, chanting anti-government slogans and carrying Sudanese flags. Protesters also hung a line of revolution-inspired artwork.

Berlin

A big demonstration took place on 21 June 2019 in Berlin with hundreds of Sudanese and non-Sudanese protesters draped in blue, chanting anti-government protests.

Los Angeles, California

Dozens gathered at Consulate General of the Unites Arab Emirates (UAE) and Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Los Angeles, California on 20 June 2019. Demonstrators accuse the UAE and the KSA of financially supporting the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and its paramilitary forces. The protest saw many notable figures in attendance such as Sudanese-American beauty blogger Shahd Batal, Sudanese-American model Sara Ishag, and American rapper Neelam Hakeem.

London, the UK

A vigil took place on 21 June 2019 at the European Commission Representation in London for the victims of the massacre. In addition to chanting anti-government slogans, protesters, draped in blue and carrying blue balloons, gave speeches, performed poetry, lit candles and read the names of the martyrs. Demonstrators accuse EU of financially supporting the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and its paramilitary forces.

Oslo, Norway

A vigil took place in Oslo on 21 June 2019 in front of the Norwegian Parliament, The Storting, where protesters gathered in a circle and chanted anti-government slogans. Some wore blue while others carried the Sudanese flag, and blue balloons and posters with faces of the martyrs. 

Ireland

Protests in Ireland took place throughout the week of 16 June 2019. The biggest protest took place on 22 June 2019 on Daunt Square, Cork and in the Sudanese Youth Community in Dublin.

Australia

Melbourne

On 22 June 2019, a small group of protesters gathered in Melbourne, dressed in blue and asked passerbys to ask them about Sudan.

Sydney

On 22 June 2019, a small group of protesters gathered in Sydney, dressed in blue and asked passerbys to ask them about Sudan.

Stockholm, Sweden

On 22 June 2019, a small group of protesters gathered in front of the Stockholm House of Culture & City Theatre in Stockholm’s political and commercial centre, dressed in blue and asked passerbys to ask them about Sudan.

Washington DC, the US

A small demonstration took place at the Washington Monument in Washington DC on 22 June 2019. Protesters draped in blue carried blue balloons and posters with pictures of martyrs and chanted anti-government slogans as well as asked passerbys and bystanders to stop by and ask them about Sudan.

Holland, Netherlands

A small demonstration took place at the Meeting Plaza in Utrecht on 23 June 2019 where protesters demonstrated a small skit portraying the involvement of leaders of the UAE and KSA in the massacre.

 

 

Related links:

Everything You Need to Know About the Sudan Revolution

Rihanna, Naomi, Neyo, Cardi B, the Kardashians and More Celebrities Join #BlueforSudan

What is Behind #BlueForSudan?

 

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Jun 23, 2019

Jun 26, 2019
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