Congress Goes Blue For Sudan

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Dear Members of Congress,

Thank you so much for continuing to stand with the people of Sudan!

Last week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee went #BlueforSudan and "unanimously passed a resolution condemning the attacks on peaceful protesters and supporting an immediate transition to a civilian-led democratic government in #Sudan." Special thanks to Congressman Kildee for introducing H. Res. 432.

Next week, Chairperson Karen Bass has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, June 25th at 2pm on "The U.S. Response to the Political Crisis in Sudan." At a time when Sudanese are demanding a voice in their own country, this hearing may provide a unique opportunity for Sudanese voices to be heard by Congress and the Administration re effective U.S. engagement in Sudan at this critical time.

Below are a couple of articles that you may find helpful as you continue the important work of supporting genuine change in Sudan.

How Washington and the world can help Sudan fulfill its democratic dream by Andrew Natsios, former U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan

Sudan: "This time it's different" by Lord David Alton of Liverpool

Best regards,

Esther
Sudan Unlimited

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Deadlines and Consequences Required

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Dear Members of Congress,

Many thanks to Senator Menendez and Representatives Karen Bass and Jason Crow for continuing to speak out in support of the people of Sudan. 

We know other leaders in Congress are voicing their support and we are sincerely grateful.  If we can help spread your message, please share your statements, facebook posts, tweets, etc.

Thankfully the world is waking up to the nightmare experienced by the people of Sudan.  The New York Times, FoxNews, CNN, Vogue, George Clooney and so many others are raising awareness and adding necessary pressure in support of the Sudanese people.

Thankfully the UNSC issued an important statement condemning violence against civilians and logically the UN is suspending the handover of Darfur IDP camps to the TMC.

At the UN, the US is calling for an independent investigation of violence in Khartoum, and Tibor Nagy, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, echoed this and support for a civilian-led government this week in his important visit to Khartoum.   

These are all incredibly valuable steps, but the regime, now re-branded the TMC, has been down this road before and it knows exactly what to do...keep talking, buy time and remain firmly in power.  

The United States must not be fooled this time and it must not waste this moment in history and the precious lives of Sudanese people who bravely stand for freedom, justice and genuine peace.

The regime listens to one thing and that is consequences.  The U.S. and it allies must establish deadlines and serious consequences for real change.

People all around the world who yearn for freedom and a better life are watching.  The United States must rise to the occasion like never before and provide leadership in support of the people of Sudan that will inspire hope beyond Sudan's borders and ultimately yield a more stable and secure world for all of us.

Best regards,

Esther 
Sudan Unlimited


The world stands with the people of Sudan

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Dear Members of Congress,

Many thanks to Chairman Risch for his leadership in supporting the people of Sudan.  He writes, "the international community will not tolerate the senseless loss of life and brutal attacks on citizens witnessed this past week in Khartoum and other parts of the country, as well as the arrest of opposition leaders like Yasir Arman."

The African Union Peace and Security Council tweeted that it "has with immediate effect suspended the participation of the Republic of #Sudan in all #AU activities until the effective establishment of a Civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from the current crisis."  Communique attached.

The European Union issued a statement in support of the AU's decision and stating that "All individuals detained on political grounds, including Yasir Arman, must be released and those, including women, who are missing must be accounted for immediately."

Attached is a statement by the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region which condemns the violence and calls for an independent investigation and a "transfer of power to a civilian administration." 

Baroness Caroline Cox issued the attached personal statement of concern about the situation in Sudan and urged those with influence to "stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan"; and Lord Alton of Liverpool asked Her Majesty's Government, "what representations they have made to the government of Sudan about the arrest and detention of Yasir Arman; and what information they have about his (1) whereabouts, and (2) well-being."

Reuters reports that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will visit Khartoum on Friday to mediate between Sudan's military rulers and an opposition alliance."

Despite terrible tragedy and enormous risk, the Sudanese people continue to mobilize and they remain firmly committed to securing freedom, justice and genuine peace for Sudan.

Forces of Freedom and Change issued a statement saying they will not negotiate with the military council until there is accountability, a full transfer of power to a civilian government, and an end to the Janjaweed in Sudan!

Petition: So far, 4,864 have signed the White House petition to "Recognize the Rapid Support Forces led by General Hemedti (Janjaweed leader) in Sudan as Terrorist Organization."  

DC March for Sudan:  Saturday, June 8th at 11am from the Capitol to the White House to protest the Sudan Monday Massacre. A flyer is attached. 

Please consider joining these efforts and thank you for your kind support of the people of Sudan.

Best regards,

Esther
Sudan Unlimited

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