Sudan is in a current crisis and has been since December 2018. In just the past few weeks, more than 100 have been killed, more than 700 injured, and a reported 70 rapes of women, children and men. The news of this tragedy has spread outrage on social media causing many people to change their profile photos to Blue. Let’s take a look as to why Sudan is in an uproar, and how the world isn’t matching the same energy they had for the Notre Dame church fire.
Here’s a look into what’s been going on in Sudan. Protests began December 2018 against the rule of former president, Hassan al-Bashir, who resigned on April 11, 2019. Al-Bashir raised the costs of goods and services three times the original price in order to better Sudan’s economy. Sudanese people had already been suffering from a shortage of foreign currency and inflation was at a high 70 percent. The weeks of peaceful protests of the people was quickly met with terrored violence.
In April, the military overthrew and arrested al-Bashir amid the mass protests. The Transitional Military Council claims it needs to be in charge to retain order and security in Sudan - but the recent death toll suggests otherwise.
On June 13, President Bashir was charged with corruption relating to laws on "suspected illicit wealth and emergency orders". He could appear in court as early as next week to face the charges, the country's acting prosecutor general has said.
Celebrities understand the importance of getting the word out about what’s going on in Sudan. Musicians such as Demi Lovato, Cardi B, and J. Cole all added blue to their social media profiles. The massacre in Sudan has received little media coverage, especially compared to the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic landmark in Paris to which many people felt connected. Minutes after the church was in flames, photos and videos were all over social media and news platforms. This crisis left 0 dead, 3 injured, and left a burned building behind. Meanwhile, Sudanese doctors have said more than 118 protesters were killed in a raid on June 3.
Many have taken to social media stating the many reasons why Sudan is not getting media coverage: The victims are Africans, the victims are Blacks, the victims are Muslims. Many are also calling the media’s selective empathy appalling.
There are many different things we can do as individuals to help Sudan. Call your member of Congress and let them know you want to help the people of Sudan. Text RESIST to 50409 to contact your elected officials and let them know you want to help Sudan. Give to UNICEF, which is an organization working to help the children displaced by the crisis. Sign the Change.org petition. Lastly, and most importantly, educate and expand the knowledge of others on the current state of Sudan.