Ali Keshik, a human rights activist from the Darfur region, asserted that achieving peace in Sudan requires strong political will from conflicting parties. He emphasized the importance of silencing the gun, delivering humanitarian aid, and protecting civilians.
Keshik, hailing from North Darfur State, spoke to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, stating, “The people of Darfur need dialogue to confront the reality of ongoing war, rectify mistakes, and bring an end to the fighting for lasting peace.”
He further emphasized the necessity for both parties in the conflict to acknowledge their involvement in violations and war crimes in Darfur. This acknowledgment is crucial in addressing the deaths and forced displacement of civilians. Keshik stressed the importance of ensuring that those found guilty are brought before the International Criminal Court to deliver justice to the victims.
Keshik raised concerns about recruitment operations by the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) based on ethnicity. He stated, “There are recruitment operations by the army and the RSF on an ethnic basis, which leads to a bloody civil war in the various states of Sudan.”
Keshik called on the conflicting parties to uphold the rules of international humanitarian law, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and their property. He urged adherence to the principles that preserve the rights and freedoms of civilians during armed conflicts, while strongly advocating for a stance against war with the simple yet powerful phrase, “no to war.”
Sudan spiralled into war after soaring tensions between army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo exploded into open fighting in mid-April.
The war broke out due to disagreements over plans for a political transition and the integration of the RSF into the army, four years after former ruler Omar al-Bashir was deposed in an uprising.
Over 12,000 people have been killed, with about 5.9 million displaced within the country, making it the largest internal displacement crisis globally. More than 7.2 million people have fled their homes, taking refuge inside and outside the country, with children representing about half of the people displaced.
To contact Radio Tamazuj with comments, news tips or information, write to radiotamazuj@gmail.com or use the contact form.