Coup In Sudan, Military Seizes Power
Early this morning, the Sudanese military dissolved Sudan’s transitional government, arrested Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other civilian officials, and attempted to shut off the country’s internet. An illegal state of emergency has been declared.
The whereabouts of Prime Minister Hamdok and his wife are unknown. Large numbers of army soldiers and Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries have entered Khartoum, and we have received reports of live ammunition being used against unarmed, peaceful protesters. Civic organizers and neighborhood resistance committees across Sudan are calling for people to take to the streets in peaceful protest.
This is a coup. Once again, the Sudanese people find themselves on a collision course with the hydra-headed monster that is Sudan’s heavily-armed security forces.
The threat of mass violence against unarmed civilians cannot be understated. This is a rapidly deteriorating situation with potentially explosive consequences. The last time the military seized power in 2019, their deplorable actions gave way to a horrifying massacre of unarmed civilians.
This military coup comes a mere three days after the largest peaceful protests in favor of civilian rule since 2019 . The Sudanese people are speaking: this is not what they want.
Sudan’s transition to democracy, peace, and justice is on life support. These next few weeks are critical to staving off disaster. We’ll be keeping you updated during this time period, but we also can’t wait to act.
How You Can Help
Operation Broken Silence has been working alongside our Sudanese partners on the ground for a decade. Our mission has always been focused on the long run, which is why supporting Sudanese teachers in the Nuba Mountains region remains our top priority.
In times of urgent crisis like this, we often see sudden outbursts of mass violence, large population movements, and soaring needs. We need to send an extra $10,000 to the 24 Sudanese teachers we support ASAP so that they can continue their critical work through the end of the year, no matter what happens. The fastest and easiest way to help us reach our emergency $10,000 goal is to give online right now.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. Your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Here are two additional ways you can help.
Give crypto.
We believe crypto can change the world because we’ve already seen crypto change lives in Sudan. Whether you are one of our current cryptocurrency donors or new to our mission, donating some of what you HODL is a preferred giving method.
Donating crypto means you can end up paying no capital gains taxes on appreciated crypto, get a fair market value deduction, and the teachers receive an even larger donation than if you sold your crypto, paid taxes, and then donated fiat.
An important note: we are unable to refund crypto donations at this time. We’ve made donating crypto to our mission super easy through this form, but it’s on you to give the correct amount.
Complete the short form to give or learn more here.
Fundraise through Eden’s Run 5K.
If you aren’t in a position to make a donation, you can register for our annual 5K for free and ask friends and family to donate through your fundraising page. This global event is virtual. You can run from wherever you are or just sign up to fundraise and skip running.
Every penny counts right now. Use promo code SUDAN to register for free and claim your fundraising page.
The past two years have often felt impossible. A major source of encouragement for me has been watching our Sudanese friends strive for a better future against the remnants of a genocidal regime, democratic backsliding worldwide, and a global pandemic.
The progress they have made against all odds is remarkable, and it is now in jeopardy. Let’s be sure that we each play our small part in helping to give our Sudanese friends the best chance for continued progress. I just gave. Will you join me?
Onward,
Mark C. Hackett
Executive Director
Operation Broken Silence