Sudan Crisis: Rape, Massacre and Despair

The current unrest in Sudan began in December 2018, when Sudan's people began protesting against Omar al-Bashir's 30-year tyrannical rule. After his resignation (following months of pro-democracy protests against him) on April 11, 2019, the military took over and has been in control since then. Since then, the country has been torn apart by a conflict between pro-democracy civilians and the military.

Representatives of the pro-democracy movement began discussions with the military over who would take over when al-Bashir was ousted. These talks broke down last Monday. The military then reportedly killed dozens and wounded hundreds of protesters during a crackdown on a protest camp, described by Al Jazeera as the "worst violence" in the country since al-Bashir's overthrow.

According to the United Nations, the death toll in the country currently stands at more than 100 dead, including 19 children. At least 700 people have been injured. Militia members cracked down on a pro-democracy protest in Khartoum last week - June 3rd, raping at least 70 people. These crimes were carried out by the Rapid Support Forces, Sudan’s infamous paramilitary unit, who fought on behalf of al-Bashir’s government during the War in Darfur.

The state reportedly put in place an internet blackout (for over a week now), making it even more difficult for activists and civilians to share what is happening with the rest of the world. Activists, commentators and civilians around the world have criticized the lack of coverage of the situation by international media organizations.

#IAmTheSudanRevolution and #SudanUprising hashtags have sprung up in an attempt to spur support from other nations.

“We have received information that children are being detained, recruited to join the fighting and sexually abused,” declared UNICEF’s executive director, Henrietta Fore, on the children who lost their lives.

“Schools, hospitals, and health centers have been targeted, looted and destroyed. Health workers have been attacked simply for doing their job," she added.

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