Save Darfur Releases Summary of Accounts Detailing Escalating Government Violence Against Civilians

WASHINGTON – The Save Darfur Coalition today released a summary of accounts from Khartoum and Darfur of a systematic program of reprisals and retaliations conducted by the Sudanese government against Darfuris following the Justice and Equality Movement’s attack on the capital May 10. Some of these reports have been confirmed by journalists and human rights agencies, while details of other abuses have been compiled by Darfuri diaspora leaders in daily contact with sources on the ground.

The human rights violations detailed in the accounts include widespread detentions and disappearances, summary executions, crackdowns on Darfuri journalists and lawyers, and the looting of Darfuri homes and businesses. Darfuris in the villages, cities and IDP camps of Darfur remain fearful of rumored large-scale attacks in the coming days by the government-backed janjaweed militias and the Sudanese military, including its air force.

“The government of Sudan’s extrajudicial operations appear to be aimed at the Darfuri community at large in Khartoum and the surrounding areas and do not target only individuals affiliated with the JEM attack,” the report states. “Given the government’s poor human rights record and pattern of indiscriminate use of force against civilian populations during the ongoing genocide in Darfur, sources and analysts fear that the reports of these operations could be only the tip of the iceberg. The harassment and detention of lawyers and journalists in Khartoum also raises serious concerns about the government’s attempt to conceal its operations.”

The summary of accounts can be viewed here: http://savedarfur.org/pages/following_may_10/.

“Save Darfur’s new report finds that Darfuris across Sudan are in jeopardy as the situation on the ground quickly deteriorates after the recent JEM attack on Khartoum. The international community, led by the United States, must speak out clearly against the violations of human rights before more people are killed, tortured or inexplicably detained,” said Save Darfur Coalition president Jerry Fowler. “Save Darfur will continue to closely monitor the situation in Sudan and will engage our million-strong group of activists to urge for international pressure on Sudan to end the latest cycle of violence.”

Darfuri diaspora leaders in daily contact with sources on the ground are available for interviews. To schedule an interview, please contact Ashley Roberts at the Save Darfur Coalition at 202-478-6181 or .

The summary of accounts can be viewed here: http://savedarfur.org/pages/following_may_10/.