Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Monday November 27 2023, 12.01am, The Times
When the people of Sudan took to the streets to call for the ousting of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, women were at the forefront, leading the movement for democracy and change. After four months of demonstrations, the reign of President Bashir was ended.
Now, in a terrible turn of events, Sudanese women are bearing the brunt of the vicious war that began in mid-April between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). More than six million people have been displaced since the fighting erupted, including an estimated 105,000 pregnant women, according to the United Nations. Of the 1.2 million who have fled to neighbouring countries, nearly nine in ten are women and children.
Sexual and gender-based violence has become widespread. While a UN expert’s report accused both parties of violations of humanitarian and human rights laws, it expressed particular alarm at the brutal and widespread use of rape and other forms of sexual violence by the RSF. The accounts are almost too painful to read.
I am deeply concerned by accusations that regional powers are intent on worsening the situation for Sudan’s women. In particular, I have been troubled by reports that the United Arab Emirates has been supplying arms to the RSF. A prominent analyst of the Sudan crisis has described the UAE’s materiel support for the RSF as ‘‘the worst-kept secret going”. I hope that the reports are wrong.
It is essential that all regional and international actors play a constructive role in bringing peace to Sudan, especially when the world’s attention is focused on other crises. They must not overlook gross human rights abuses in pursuit of selfish economic and strategic interests.
The UAE is proud of its standing in the world, which it seeks to highlight by hosting the UN’s climate change conference — Cop28 — starting this week at Expo City in Dubai. But its global reputation will deserve a black mark if it fails to ensure a clean break from any association with the warring parties in Sudan. The UAE has a duty to renounce and sever any ties with the criminal forces of the RSF.
When I was given the privilege of serving as president of Liberia, I assumed responsibility for rebuilding a nation nearly destroyed by war and plunder. I saw first hand how essential women’s empowerment was in moving a country towards reconciliation. So it must be in Sudan. Let us all contribute to that effort.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the former president of Liberia and Africa’s first elected female head of state
