Date: January 18, 2025
Issued by: AWL Global Coordinator Office, South Sudan
It is with profound sorrow that the African Women’s Lobby (AWL) addresses the deeply troubling situation arising from atrocities reportedly committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces against South Sudanese citizens in Wad-Madeni, Sudan. These tragic events have ignited grief, unrest, and strong emotions across Africa and within the diaspora as the South Sudanese people mourn the suffering inflicted upon their brothers and sisters.
In the face of this devastating crisis, AWL unequivocally reaffirms that peace, justice, and reconciliation remain the only viable pathways to healing and sustainable progress. Retaliation and vengeance can only perpetuate cycles of violence and deepen societal divisions. Instead, we urgently call for calm, self-restraint, and solidarity to build inclusive, sustainable solutions that uphold human dignity, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights for all.
This critical moment demands wisdom, resilience, and purpose-driven collective action. As Africans united by shared values of humanity, solidarity, and justice, we must channel our grief into actionable strategies that create meaningful change, safeguard lives, and promote lasting peace.
South Sudanese Ambassador recently underscored this principle, stating:
“Rest assured, it’s a democratic right to peacefully demonstrate and voice your grievances, but it becomes a grave issue when people resort to rampages, targeting individuals, businesses, and communities based on ethnicity or other affiliations. No government would condone such actions. TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE IT RIGHT. We must always reject behaviors that lead to further harm and casualties. Violence, looting, and chaos risk derailing legitimate causes and opening the door for other harmful agendas.”
AWL echoes this call for restraint and offers the following comprehensive and actionable recommendations:
AWL’s Recommendations for the Government of South Sudan
1. Protection for South Sudanese in Sudan
-
- Diplomatic Engagement: Leverage all available diplomatic channels to advocate for the safety, fair treatment, and non-discrimination of South Sudanese citizens residing in Sudan. Engage directly with the Sudanese government and international partners to ensure accountability.
-
- Collaboration with UN Mechanisms: Work closely with UN agencies, such as the UNHCR, to protect displaced South Sudanese citizens under international humanitarian law, ensuring they receive essential services and protection.
2. Repatriation of Citizens
-
- Safe and Dignified Return: Develop and implement a comprehensive, gender-sensitive repatriation plan to facilitate the safe and dignified return of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan. Prioritize their access to healthcare and psychosocial support.
-
- International Coordination: Partner with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR to secure the financial, logistical, and technical support needed for orderly repatriation and reintegration efforts.
3. Strengthen Border Security
-
- Deploy Forces for Protection: Increase the presence of trained security personnel along the North-South border to protect citizens from cross-border violence, trafficking, and exploitation.
-
- Establish Humanitarian Corridors: Collaborate with humanitarian organizations to create safe zones and humanitarian corridors that facilitate the delivery of aid and protect vulnerable populations, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
-
- Monitor and Document Violations: Establish systems to monitor, document, and report human rights violations, ensuring accountability and preventing future aggression.
4. Diplomatic and Legal Measures
-
- Accountability for Atrocities: File formal complaints with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), African Union (AU), and other international bodies, calling for independent investigations into the reported atrocities.
-
- Regional and Global Advocacy: Collaborate with the AU, IGAD, and UN member states to demand justice, accountability, and compliance with international humanitarian obligations. Actively engage in multilateral dialogues to promote peace and security.
5. National Solidarity and Unity
-
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns promoting peace, unity, and nonviolence, emphasizing the importance of addressing grievances through lawful and constructive means.
-
- Engage the Diaspora: Empower South Sudanese diaspora communities to advocate for peace, humanitarian aid, international support, and justice for victims while fostering solidarity and peace within their host countries.
6. AWL’s Call to Action for South Sudanese and Sudanese People
The African Women’s Lobby urgently calls for calm and unity among the people of South Sudan and Sudan. We implore all individuals and communities to reject revenge and instead channel their energy into meaningful actions that advance peace, justice, and reconciliation. Violence will not alleviate the immense suffering endured by the people. Instead, we must rise above pain and despair, guided by compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to human rights and dignity.
Together, as Africans and global citizens, we can transform this moment of grief into a foundation for hope and progress. By committing to peace, justice, and accountability, we honor the lives and dignity of those affected while laying the groundwork for a future rooted in harmony, solidarity, and respect for human rights.
The African Women’s Lobby reaffirms its unwavering dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equality, standing in solidarity with all who suffer from the violence in Sudan and South Sudan.