PUBLICATIONS

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, ceasefire talks aimed at resolving the Sudan conflict began in Geneva, Switzerland, under the mediation of the United States, despite the notable absence of the Sudanese government.

ACJPS is appalled by the horrific attacks in Elfashir, the capital city of North Darfur that has resulted in bloodshed and massive displacement of residents and IDPs. Since April 2024, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been trying to take over Elfashir. The siege of Elfashir has devastated the city's infrastructure and disrupted essential services. Damage to electricity and water facilities has left many areas without power or running water, with a severe impact on hospitals, schools, and other critical services. Hospitals that remain open are struggling with inadequate supplies to treat the influx of wounded civilians and many succumbing to injuries.

The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) warmly welcomes the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ (ACHPR) resolute decision to establish a Joint Fact-Finding Mission to probe the dire human rights situation in Sudan. This landmark move is a crucial step towards ensuring accountability for the grave atrocities committed against the Sudanese people.

The 2023 power struggle that begun on 15th April between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has unleashed a wave of violence that has left thousands dead and millions displaced.The conflict has exposed a dark cloud, tending mostly to the systematic violation of the rights of war prisoners, the harsh realities faced by these individuals cannot be fathomed.

ACJPS with funding from DT Global seeks to engage a film maker to implement some of the activities under a project entitled “Promoting accountability for human rights violations in the Darfur region through documentation of evidence-based information and advocacy, Sudan since 15 April 2023”.

ACJPS with funding from Freedom House is looking to engage the services of a Research Consultant under a project aimed at “advocating for justice and accountability for human rights crimes”. The project’s area of focus is to raise awareness and advocate for accountability on specific human rights violations in Sudan building on existing human rights documentation efforts.

After the outbreak of war on April 15, 2023, mosques became legitimate targets for warring parties. Shelling targeted numerous Muslim imams who supported the cessation of war, leading to arrests. In Khartoum State alone, at least 12 mosques were shelled. Similar incidents occurred in El Geneina of West Darfur and El Fasher of North Darfur. On June 23, 2024, the RSF targeted the Altijania Sufi mosque in the Eltigania neighborhood of El Fasher, where residents had taken shelter.

Airstrikes, bombing, and shelling intensify as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continue to engage the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). During the month of September 2023, residents of Khartoum State witnessed some of the most intense gunfights between the warring parties.

On 5 May 2024, a group of Sudanese Police Forces (SPF) in Elbragig locality in Northern Sudan State forcefully dispersed peaceful protesters in Abu Saar village. The forces used tear gas, batons and guns to disperse the crowd. The security forces also battered several protesters many of whom sustained injuries such as broken limbs. At least 30 protesters were arrested both during the protest and during house raids after the protest. Eight detainees were released the following day on 6 May 2024 without charges.

The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) previously documented incidents where fourteen women and girls from both Kalma and Utash IDP Camps in South Darfur State were sexually violated. A follow-up with the victims indicated that six of them got pregnant due to failure to get medical attention. Three other victims; two from Kalma and one from Utash camp got abortions.

A letter to the Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (Geneva, Switzerland)

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) and the Sudanese Human Rights Monitor (SHRM), wish to draw your attention to the dire and precarious situation of women and girls in Sudan.