Siraeha: The Death of Global Conscience

The Face of Truth
Ibrahim Shglawi

What is happening in the village of Siraeha in Sudan’s Al-Jazirah state reveals the death of the global human conscience and its failure to condemn the systematic violations by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have targeted civilian populations across all Sudanese states. Since the war began, instigated by the RSF in April of last year following the failed coup attempt orchestrated locally and regionally to control the country’s resources and neutralize national political forces, the Sudanese government has consistently called for condemnation of the brutal campaigns by the RSF—from the massacres in Al-Geneina in Darfur to the recent atrocities in Al-Jazirah state. International organizations and civil society groups have continued to call for strict measures against the leaders of this terrorist militia.

The international community’s silence towards these crimes and its indifference to the suffering of civilians encourage the RSF to continue committing massacres and violations without fear of accountability. We also urge the Coordination of Civil Forces (CDCF) to withdraw its political and media support from this militia, which broke its signed pledge in the Addis Ababa Declaration. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone, especially the international community, to firmly oppose these violations and take necessary measures to halt the flow of mercenaries and weapons provided by regional countries to Sudan since the outbreak of the war, in support of the militia. The international community’s failure to promptly and forcefully condemn this militia and classify it as a terrorist entity only encourages the continuation of these crimes, undermining justice and human rights in Sudan.

As observers suggest, it is essential for influential international forces to work with our country to eradicate the RSF and achieve justice and peace by adhering to the Jeddah Agreement on security and humanitarian arrangements, signed on May 11 of last year, to end the bloodshed in Sudan and restore security and peace. The international community must also recognize the impact of these violations on Sudan’s social and political life and respond to Sudan’s complaint to the UN Security Council against those instigating and supporting this war to put an end to these heinous acts.

Sudanese society, in all its affiliations, as well as political parties and national entities, must work to support the Sudanese government’s demands before the international community by coordinating joint actions (issuing statements and organizing demonstrations) to condemn and punish those responsible for the violations, ensuring that these horrific crimes are not repeated. The RSF’s assaults in Al-Jazirah state alone have claimed the lives of 147 unarmed citizens in Siraeha village in a single day, with dozens more killed and displaced in other villages in East Al-Jazirah, including Rufa’a, Tamboul, and Hilaliya, not to mention the ongoing casualties in Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum state where civilians face daily random shelling. This underscores the importance of collective action and solidarity on local, regional, and international levels to secure justice and peace for the Sudanese people who are enduring the brunt of this war alone.

Thus, the face of truth remains evident in the importance of viewing what is happening in Siraeha and other areas in Sudan’s Al-Jazirah state as ethnic cleansing and genocide carried out by the RSF under an agenda publicly announced by its leader—a contingency plan if their main war objectives fail. Therefore, the international community must unite in confronting these atrocities and apply immediate international pressure on those responsible. Achieving justice and ensuring sustainable peace in Sudan and the region requires joint international efforts and cooperation to halt these heinous crimes. Additionally, Sudan must adopt a clear stance toward regional and international entities that either fail to condemn these violations or do not support the Sudanese people in their ordeal.

May you stay safe and well.
Monday, October 27, 2024.
Shglawi55@gmail.com