Tariq's Story – August 2023 Darfur Escape Support & Relief Update
Friends and supporters,
As many of you know, Sudan’s military regime disintegrated on April 15, 2023. The army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the two primary groups in the regime, went to war with each for control of Sudan. Fighting has spread across the country, with millions of Sudanese caught in the crossfire and ethnic minorities facing famine, war crimes, and even genocide.
The area hit hardest by the war is West Darfur, and South Darfur is seeing increased levels of targeted violence. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their local Arab militia allies are using the fog of war to continue the genocide of ethnic African minorities that they began in the early 2000s. There are widespread reports of mass killings, gruesome executions, rapes, and pillaging. Tribal leaders in West Darfur say over 10,000 of their people have already been killed. The death toll is likely far higher.
One of our private Sudanese partners operating in Darfur has positioned several of their people in parts of South Darfur and along the Darfur-South Sudan border. They are helping refugees flee the genocide cross safely into South Sudan and providing food, clothing, and other basic necessities. Nearly 200 people have already received life-saving support.
This is a very high-risk program and the safety of these brave heroes is our top priority. We can’t release their names or information that can be used to identify their locations, but we are providing occasional updates and stories from the field so our donors and fundraisers can learn about their impact.
Tariq’s Story *
Tariq is from Zalingei in Darfur. The city’s displacement camps are home to many people who belong to African ethnic groups and have been targeted by the Rapid Support Forces and their local Arab militia allies. He says “Zalingei was my home even though it was not always easy. I was arrested once before and beaten by police.”
Tariq and two of his friends fled Zalingei in late July when fighting between the army and RSF made staying impossible. “The janjaweed stole all of our belongings but we managed to escape,” he says. Janjaweed is a term used to describe the RSF and their Arab militia allies. They left the city on foot.
Their harrowing journey through the war toward the South Sudan border lasted 16 days. Tariq and his friends say the army did nothing to protect anyone.
Our Sudanese partner provided them ground transport in South Darfur and helped them cross safely into South Sudan, giving them food when they arrived. They are now at a safe house run by our local partner.
As of the time of this posting, the situation in Zalingei has reportedly calmed, with the army claiming it has retaken control of the city. Sadly, it seems inevitable the RSF will return en force, and the army seems disinterested in protecting ordinary people. For this reason, Tariq and his friends do not plan on returning anytime soon.
“I hope to go home one day, but we cannot go back with the janjaweed breathing threats against us,” he says. “My friends are grateful to those who helped us get out. We would be dead without them. Please tell people everywhere to give so we can help more people. We can still save many lives but it takes money to do it.”
*Tariq’s name has been changed to protect his identity.
How You Can Help
In our 12 years of working alongside Sudanese heroes, we’ve never seen anything like this. Extreme violence is spreading. Entire cities and villages are being destroyed. Famine looms. Program costs are skyrocketing.
Our Sudanese partners are struggling. We’re looking for 100 individuals and families to start giving $50/month to help people escape the genocide in Darfur and meet their basic needs as they arrive.
⚡️This is a big matchmaking campaign!⚡️ The first 100 new monthly givers will be matched by a generous private donor for 3 months.
The Renewal is our passionate family of monthly givers supporting brave Sudanese heroes. When we match their grit with a monthly financial commitment, we become an unstoppable force for good.
You’ll receive a donation receipt each month and an annual giving statement at the beginning of each year. Giving monthly also comes with perks!
Operation Broken Silence is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Donate once online or make a check payable to Operation Broken Silence and mail to PO Box 770900 Memphis, TN 38177-0900
Start a fundraising page and ask friends and family to give
