Statement of the GIMAC Network on the Situation in Sudan

The Gender is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC) Network expresses grave concern over the ongoing hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. We strongly denounce the violation of human rights and humanitarian laws.

We call on all actors in Sudan to adhere and comply with their commitments to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights; the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the African Union Humanitarian Policy Framework and the draft Transitional Constitution (2022) of Sudan.

The conflict has resulted in a devastating impact on the Sudanese population, with women and girls being particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, forced marriage, and other forms of gender-based violence. Sudanese women have been working towards peaceful coexistence for too long, but the longstanding instabilities in Darfur and border conflicts with neighbouring States have hindered their efforts. Additionally, the current hostilities have also hindered the efforts to re-establish the transition towards a civilian-led transitional government.

The GIMAC Network recognizes that it is crucial to work towards sustainable peace that creates a unified civilian-led government and call on the African Union, IGAD, and the United Nations to prioritize the protection of women and girls in their efforts to bring the parties to cease military actions and to facilitate their return to the negotiating table.

Furthermore, the GIMAC Network expresses deep concern regarding the consequences of a proxy war. Noting the provision of the African Union Constitutive Act that honours the absolute sovereignty of a State through the non-intervention principle, we urge all external forces and countries to prioritize their efforts towards de-escalation, rather than fuelling further conflict.

The GIMAC Network urge all parties to enable and make easy the prompt and unimpeded admission of humanitarian aid.

We stand in solidarity with the women of Sudan and our member organizations and urge all actors to prioritize the involvement of women in peace negotiations and decision-making processes in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

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