Dear President Biden,
I write with deep concern over the situation in Sudan. The crisis is deepening, with no end in sight for the suffering of civilians in Sudan. Heavy weaponry including artillery, tanks and jet aircraft have been used in densely populated areas in Khartoum, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. The conflict has quickly spread across the country, making it difficult to seek safety. Human rights and aid organizations – including Amnesty International – are reporting that civilians are bearing the brunt of the fighting. Food and fuel prices have soared, and there are power and water outages. And the healthcare system has collapsed, with 60% of Khartoum’s hospitals closed.
With the lives of so many civilians at risk, I urge you to appoint a Presidential Envoy who can lead U.S. diplomatic efforts with Sudanese and regional partners to develop a robust policy response that centers itself on protecting civilians.
Specifically I ask you to appoint a Presidential Envoy who will report directly to you and lead a robust cross agency U.S. Government response. Given the magnitude of the crisis, a Presidential Envoy is necessary to lead a coordinated international community response.
This unfolding crisis is happening at the same time as the 20-year anniversary of the atrocities committed in Darfur. Civilians there remain at the mercy of the same security forces who committed crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur and other parts of Sudan. Longstanding impunity has allowed those suspected of war crimes in Darfur to remain in leadership positions today, contributing to the current violence in Sudan.
I implore you to take action – the Sudanese people must have our support.
David Wylie, Association of Concerned African Scholars
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Take action yourself in this Amnesty International effort at: Amnesty International USA | Amnesty International USA (amnestyusa.org)