Thank you, Congress!

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Dear Members of Congress, 

Thank you very much for speaking out in support of the people of Sudan!

Senator Ted Cruz introduced Senate Resolution 188 - A resolution encouraging a swift transfer of power by the military to a civilian-led political authority in the Republic of the Sudan, and for other purposes.  The resolution has 27 co-sponsors so far!

Representatives Jim McGovern, Ann Wagner, Karen Bass, Chris Smith and Senators Jeff Merkley and Todd Young organized a letter to Secretary of State Pompeo and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin that was signed by 92 lawmakers and called for U.S. support for a civilian-led transitional government.  

In addition, Rep. Jim McGovern was recently interviewed on NPR/BBC radio and reiterated that the United States stands with the people of Sudan.

Chairman Risch issued a "Statement on the Violent Eradication of Khartoum Protest Camp by Sudanese Security Forces" and tweeted "I condemn Sudanese security forces' violence against protestors in Khartoum. With these actions + their disregard for calls for a swift transition to civilian-led rule, the military council will continue to prevent changes to the U.S.-Sudan relationship."

Rep. Michael McCaul issued a "Statement on Attacks Against Protesters in Sudan" and tweeted “I strongly condemn yesterday’s massacre of peaceful protesters in #Sudan... The people of Sudan have been steadfast, peaceful & courageous in calling for civilian-led government & the US stands with them at this critical time."

Rep. Eliot Engel issued a "Statement on Violence Against Peaceful Protesters in Sudan" that includes a call for a Special Envoy to Sudan and targeted sanctions for those individuals complicit in human rights abuses.

The military council was never legitimate and the recent violence in Khartoum underscores the nature of its leadership -- leadership that is responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan.  The U.S. must not engage with the military council other than to demand that it step down immediately.  The U.S. must demand that its allies in the region, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, exert the same pressure on the military council.  The United States has important leverage that it must use at this critical time to end impunity and to prevent greater violence and instability in the region. 

Thank you again for standing with the people of Sudan and for advancing the cause of freedom, justice and genuine peace.

Best regards,

Esther
Sudan Unlimited

Genocide No More Save Darfur Panel (Redding, CA - June 1, 2019)

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On Friday, June 1, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in Redding, California, Genocide No More Save Darfur hosted a screening of Faces of Genocide followed by a panel with Associate Producer and Writer Diane Samson; Esther Sprague, founder and director of Sudan Unlimited; and Egon Harrasser, Board Member of Shasta County Citizens Advocating Respect. Since the film includes the crimes committed in Darfur by the Bashir regime, Esther provided the following update on the current situation in Sudan.

Protests that began in response to the economic crisis in Sudan quickly transformed into a country-wide non-violent revolution that is relentlessly demanding freedom, peace and justice. Protests began on December 13, 2018 in Blue Nile State and spread, on December 19th, to Gadarif, in Eastern Sudan, and to Atabara, a town, not on the periphery, but in the same region where Bashir was born. On December 25th, Sudanese professionals joined the protests and on January 1, 2019, the Declaration of Freedom and Change was issued, a joint statement by political and social movements, trade unions and community groups, including the Sudanese Professionals Association, the Sudan Call, the National Consensus Forces and others.

Unique to these ongoing protests is the united vision and voice of the Sudanese people. The Bashir regime remained in power for over 30 years through a policy of divide and rule. When Bashir tried to blame the protests on Darfur, the protesters declared, “Oh you arrogant racist, we are all Darfur.” In addition, these protests are different because they are not just the response of the marginalized regions, but they have engaged the entire country, they are lead primarily by youth and women, and they have inspired incredible art, music, poetry, videography and other forms of expression to capture the spirit, slogans and sacrifices of the revolution. Since April 15th, hundreds of Sudanese artists have been creating a 1.9 mile banner that will “visualize and symbolize the story of the revolution” in addition to likely breaking the Guinness World Record.

Tragically, dozens of people have been killed by the regime in response to the protests.

On April 11, 2019, the protests accomplished the (almost) unimaginable -- the removal of Bashir as president of Sudan. In Bashir’s place, a Transitional Military Council (TMC) seized power, and the protesters have remained, demanding a civilian-led transitional government. The protesters remarkably have the support of the international community. Statements have been issued in support of a civilian-led government by the UN and the African Union, the European Union, the Troika (Britain, Norway and the U.S), both Houses of Congress, and by others. Congressman McGovern drafted a letter that was signed by 92 lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and Senator Ted Cruz introduced a resolution that, so far, has been co-sponsored by 27 senators, including Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris. It is the years and years of work by activists that has engaged Congress, causing them to act swiftly on behalf of the people of Sudan.

The greatest challenge the protesters currently face is the resistance of the Transitional Military Council to relinquish power. It is worth noting that the top leaders of the TMC, Burham and Hemeti, are responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur, and Hemeti is the commander of the re-branded Janjaweed forces, the Rapid Support Forces. Protesters have surrounded military headquarters and tensions are rising. In the last three days, three people have been killed, including a pregnant woman, and eight others have been injured. Media outlets have been closed and in Darfur, IDP camps are being looted. Today, one protester was killed and eleven were injured by military forces. The Sudanese Professional Association issued a statement saying, “The killing and intimidation today is just a prelude to committing a massacre to end the sit-in by force.”

Today Tibor Nagy, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs” tweeted, “I condemn the recent killings in Khartoum and the efforts to harass and expel journalists in Sudan. We call on the TMC to stop attempts to restrict the population’s right to peaceful protest and to ensure that there is no further violence. Suppression of free expression and the media are hallmarks of the old regime and we call on the TMC to halt the trend. We urge the TMC and FFC opposition coalition to return to negotiations that lead to an agreement. The TMC was not established to rule Sudan but to participate in the transition to a civilian-led transitional government. We call on both the TMC and FFC opposition coalition to return to negotiations and reach an agreement. It is time for Sudan’s next chapter to begin.”

The Sudanese people have achieved remarkable changes, and yet they are asking for support from the international community. While they are peaceful, they are surrounded by armed elements who likely refrain from greater violence because of international attention and pressure. This is a critical time for Sudan, and it is a time that will likely be studied for years to come, and so it is imperative that we remain engaged and vigilant in supporting the people of Sudan in their worthy yet dangerous quest for genuine change.

An Exciting and Perilous Time in Sudan

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Dear Members of Congress,

This is an exciting and perilous time in Sudan.  

If you are a member of the House of Representatives, please considering signing the bi-partisan letter below organized by Representatives McGovern, Smith, Bass and Wagner.

If you are a member of the Senate, please consider drafting your own bi-partisan letter to the Administration regarding the important role the U.S. can play to support freedom, justice and genuine peace in Sudan.

We are sincerely grateful for the April 4, 2019 letter to Secretary Pompeo by Senators Menendez, Cruz, Van Hollen, Coons, Rubio, Merkley, and Booker.  

We are proud of the role Congress continues to play in supporting the people of Sudan, especially at this historic and pivotal time in their history.

Best regards,

Esther Sprague
Founder and Director
Sudan Unlimited

 

Time for Change in Sudan

Support the Aspirations of the Sudanese People

For an Inclusive, Civilian-Led Transition

 

 

Dear Colleague,

 

            Please join us on a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin regarding the current situation in Sudan.

 

            After four months of peaceful protests, the Sudanese people have ended the 30-year genocidal, authoritarian rule of Omar al-Bashir.  The military leadership that has now taken power are attempting to create the appearance of change, but elements and structures of the old regime remain.  The Transitional Military Council (TMC) does not respond to the aspirations so clearly articulated by the pro-democracy protests that called for inclusive, civilian-led democratic change. 

 

At this critical moment, the United States must send a clear message that international credibility and American partnership will only come through credible civilian leadership, respect for human rights, including religious freedom, and the rule of law.

 

            To sign onto the letter or for more information, please contact Cindy Buhl (Rep. McGovern) at cindy.buhl@mail.house.gov or Rachel Wagley (Rep. Wagner) at rachel.wagley@mail.house.gov.   Deadline is COB Friday, May 10th.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

            James P. McGovern                                                    Chris Smith

            Member of Congress                                                  Member of Congress

 

 

            Karen Bass                                                                  Ann Wagner

            Member of Congress                                               Member of Congress

 

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Dear Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Mnuchin,

 

            We write to express our deep concern about the current situation in Sudan and our support for a rapid transfer of power to a civilian-led transitional government committed to laying the foundations for democracy in the country. This is a critical moment for Sudan, one that came about because the Sudanese people took to the streets to demand it.  It is also critical for the United States to support Sudanese citizen’s demands for real democratic change.

 

We welcome the April 18th statement by the State Department supporting “a transition to a peaceful and democratic Sudan led by civilians who represent the diversity of Sudanese society,” and expressing support for the “will of the Sudanese people” for “a transitional government that is inclusive and respectful of human rights and the rule of law.”  We appreciate the efforts of the Africa Bureau to update congressional offices about the changing situation in Sudan. We also acknowledge the African Union’s condemnation of the military takeover as a coup d’état and its demand that the military “step aside and hand over power to a transitional civilian-led political authority, in accordance with the will of the people” by April 30th.

 

The military leadership who have taken power are attempting to create the appearance of change, but elements and structures of the old regime remain. The Transitional Military Council (TMC) does not respond to the aspirations so clearly articulated by months of peaceful pro-democracy protests that demanded an inclusive, civilian-led democratic change. The TMC is not the goal of the Sudanese people and the longer the protestors’ demands remain unfulfilled, there is increased probability of conflict.

 

We support your decision to continue Sudan’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) and to suspend Phase II discussions.  Congress also has a role to play in law regarding changes to Sudan’s status as a state sponsor of terrorism. We encourage close consultation with and the consent of Congress should the Administration seek to alter the SST designation or provide further economic relief to Sudan, actions which at the current moment would be inappropriate and premature. We understand that rapidly changing events on the ground might require a corresponding change in U.S. policy and we are ready to work as equal partners in decisions that advance civilian democratic governance, respect for human rights, including religious freedom, and rule of law.

 

The United States must send a clear message that the path to international credibility and American partnership will only come through credible civilian leadership. We encourage you to use all mechanisms and leverage to facilitate, as quickly as possible, an inclusive civilian-led transition to democratic governance.  The United States should make clear to foreign governments that have expressed support for the TMC that a civilian transition that reflects the will of the Sudanese people is non-negotiable. 

 

In this regard, we are dismayed by the announcement from the Governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that they intend to provide Sudan with $3 billion in budget support and aid.  We urge you to use all appropriate diplomatic and political channels to discourage such a transfer of funds. If funds are disbursed, this will likely encourage the TMC to delay a civilian-led transition.

 

The Sudanese people will rightly determine matters of justice regarding the crimes of the previous regime, given the millions of people who suffered and perished under its deliberate and repressive actions.  It is important for you, Mr. Secretaries, to emphasize that former President Bashir and other officials and military officers of his regime are internationally indicted for war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide. It is an urgent matter of international law that they face trial and judgement on these charges.

 

There are additional actions that we strongly encourage you to take in your respective capacities as Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury:

 

  • When a civilian-led transitional council is established – one supported by the pro-democracy movement and the Sudanese people – it is vital that the United States press for unimpeded access by international humanitarian aid agencies so that they may finally deliver, without interference or conditions, emergency relief to populations in conflict areas such as South Kordofan, Blue Nile and northern Darfur. We understand this is also a current priority for the U.S. and other aid donors, but unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid to these regions is likely to remain stalled until inclusive civilian rule is established.

 

  • To support and increase the capacity of civilian leadership and civil society, the United States should provide transitional civilian authorities and entities with technical and capacity-building assistance.

 

  • The United States, in consultation with Congress, should signal its willingness to engage with and support international financial institutions in aiding Sudan once civilian-led transitional authorities are in place and functioning.

 

  • The State Department should not issue visas to any TMC officials to travel to the United States until credible civilian-led government is in place and functioning independently.  Nor should any TMC official be issued a visa who has been internationally indicted, or who might be subject to justice in Sudan for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide.

 

  • Treasury, in consultation with the State Department and relevant congressional committees, should continue to use the sanctions authorities provided under the Global Magnitsky program to target key Sudanese individuals, officials, entities and networks.

 

  • Recognizing Sudan’s extensive corruption, money-laundering operations and theft of state resources, it is critical for the United State to provide leadership on preventing funds from being moved out of the country during this period when the former Bashir regime is being pushed aside but current regime structures remain in place. The Treasury Department should issue public advisories to banks and other financial institutions regarding the risk of such capital flight and other high-risk transactions from Sudan, such as the gold trade.  This would be an action like the one taken by Treasury in 2014 related to Ukraine. It is also critical that the Treasury Department continue to track and respond aggressively to similar transfers of funds that occurred prior to Bashir’s downfall.

 

            Thank you for your attention to these urgent concerns and recommendations.  We look forward to working together and developing a new policy framework consistent with American values and the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

 

A Noble Bipartisan Legacy

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Dear Members of Congress,

The people of Sudan continue to bravely and peacefully protest the Bashir regime in their difficult struggle for freedom, democracy, justice and genuine peace.

The people of Sudan have, for decades, counted on bipartisan support from Congress as they have struggled to survive a regime intent on changing the identity of Sudan while stealing the resources of the country.  

Senator Frist of Tennessee, Senator Feingold of Wisconsin, Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia, the late Congressman Donald Payne of New Jersey and many other Members of Congress have resolutely stood together against genocide and for democratic transformation in Sudan.

Please consider how you can contribute to this long and noble legacy of Congress on behalf of the people of Sudan.

Many thanks to Rep. Karen Bass and Rep. Jim McGovern for their important statements this past week.

Please find below new information and analysis on Sudan for your reference.

Best regards,

Esther Sprague
Sudan Unlimited