News & Updates
Check out the latest from Sudan and our movement
Biden Administration Rescinds Sanctions On International Criminal Court
We welcome the decision by the Biden Administration to end sanctions on ICC officials.
In a letter to Congressional leadership, President Biden announced today that his administration is ending sanctions and visa restrictions on officials at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This news is a welcome announcement for the world’s court of last resort, as well as victims of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity who look to the court for justice.
It is also a reminder that civil society advocacy works. In February, Operation Broken Silence joined 70+ NGOs, faith-based groups, and academic institutions in calling on the Biden Administration to repeal these sanctions and restrictions. Our voices were heard.
Rather than being seen as a major step forward for justice, this decision should be understood as a return to the status quo.
The relationship between the United States and ICC has always been strained.
The US participated in the negotiations that created the ICC; however, in 1998, the US voted against the Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty. President Clinton signed the Rome Statute but did not submit the treaty to the US Senate for ratification.
In 2002, President Bush “unsigned” the treaty, sending a message that the US would not ratify. The Bush Administration promptly began a global campaign against the ICC, but these efforts were largely ineffective.
By 2005, US posture toward the court began to shift to a more neutral position. That year, the US refused to veto a United Nations Security Council request that the ICC open an investigation into the mass atrocity crimes being committed in Darfur, Sudan.
Underneath the Obama Administration in 2011, the US government’s stance toward the ICC shifted further to being modestly supportive. The US voted for the Security Council referral of the deteriorating situation in Libya to the Court for further action. And in 2012, American Special Forces and diplomats played critical roles in turning over two ICC suspects (Bosco Ntaganda and Dominic Ongwen) to the Court.
This progress shifted dramatically underneath the Trump Administration. In 2018-2019, administration officials and the President himself disparaged the Court every time the topic came up. The US imposed visa bans on ICC officials and, shockingly, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publicly threatened — by name — two ICC staffers. In a 2020 Executive Order, President Trump sanctioned ICC officials and threatened those who assisted the Court in their investigations, including American citizens, a move that severely harmed the Court’s efforts.
Underneath President Biden, US policy toward the ICC appears to be shifting back to the neutral-modestly supportive stance. In other words: the status quo. The nearly two decades-long tensions between the US and the ICC will most likely remain for now.
This tension is evident in President Biden’s letter to Congressional leaders:
I have determined that, although the United States continues to object to the ICC’s assertions of jurisdiction over personnel of such non-States Parties as the United States and its allies absent their consent or referral by the United Nations Security Council and will vigorously protect current and former United States personnel from any attempts to exercise such jurisdiction, the threat and imposition of financial sanctions against the Court, its personnel, and those who assist it are not an effective or appropriate strategy for addressing the United States’ concerns with the ICC.
It is also evident in the press release from the Court’s Public Affairs Unit:
The Court is mindful that the United States has traditionally made important contributions to the cause of international criminal justice. The Court stands ready to reengage with the US in the continuation of that tradition based on mutual respect and constructive engagement.
In the fulfilment of its independent and impartial judicial mandate, the Court acts strictly within the confines of the Rome Statute, as a Court of last resort, in a manner complementary to national jurisdictions. The Court relies on the support and cooperation of its States Parties, representing all regions of the world, and of the international community more broadly.
In summary, this is akin to old high school acquaintances — who haven’t seen each other in years — bumping into each other. It’s a little awkward and no one really knows what to say or do next, but it still feels warm and fuzzy.
The United States should be doing more to support the ICC.
Because the ICC is a standing international institution, US policy will inevitably evolve over time based on current and future events. Both the good and the bad can be undone at any given time based on the occupant of the White House.
Still, the Biden Administration really should come up with an array of options that are more supportive of the ICC, even though it’s unlikely the US Senate will ratify the Rome Statue any time soon. During the Obama Administration, the US government found some creative ways to be more supportive of the ICC’s important work (see above section), so doing more is not without precedence. The State Department and FBI already have multiple international justice outlets built into their respective institutions. Aligning some of those outlets with specific ICC cases the US has interests in isn’t exactly a crazy idea.
One can also argue that the Biden Administration’s campaign to restore US credibility around the globe would receive a boost if the US became more supportive of the ICC. 123 countries are party to the Rome Statue, including many key US allies who vocally support the Court. Taking a more proactive and positive approach to the ICC would undoubtedly help heal some wounds in America’s bilateral relationships.
All that to say, moving back to the status quo is better than staying the course of the Trump Administration.
We do hope that the Biden Administration and Congressional leaders use this announcement as a springboard to improve relations with the ICC and begin working on longstanding concerns between American and Court officials. It’s past time for progress.
Get Involved
Change in Sudan doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why Operation Broken Silence supports long-term education and healthcare programs in the Nuba Mountains region.
Several years ago we created an endowment fund, a move that has already proven its value. When COVID-19 temporarily brought our fundraising to a screeching halt in the spring and summer of 2020, this special fund helped us keep our doors open and our Sudanese partners afloat.
Right now, a generous private donor is matching all gifts to our endowment, up to $25,000 total! You can help by making a donation or starting a campaign and asking your friends and family to give.
Here are a few other ways you can give as well:
Join The Renewal, our family of monthly givers
Make checks payable to Operation Broken Silence, write Endowment in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 770900 Memphis, TN, 38177-0900
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more here.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.
Sudan's Transitional Government And Nuba Leader Sign Deal For Peace Talks
On March 28, a breakthrough Declaration of Principles agreement was signed between Sudan’s transitional government and Nuba leaders.
On Sunday, March 28, a breakthrough Declaration of Principles agreement was signed between Sudan’s transitional government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), the country’s largest armed opposition force in the southern Nuba Mountains region of the country. You can see the full agreement here.
This news is a welcome announcement for Sudan’s move to democracy, which has slowed over the past several months due to COVID-19, regime paramilitaries breaching ceasefire agreements, and more. The agreement is a sign that some of the tensions between the new transitional government and Nuba leaders are beginning to be addressed in a more serious way. There is no real resolution to Sudan’s challenges without Nuba involvement and justice for the oppressed, mountainous region.
While the Declaration of Principles agreement covers quite a bit of ground (again, you can read it here), there are two key elements worth pulling forward that are exciting to see.
Taken to its logical conclusion, this agreement lays the groundwork for a significant reduction of Khartoum’s power.
Many Sudanese and outside observers have some differing views on Sudan’s future; however, most agree there is way too much power centralized in the country’s capitol.
While Khartoum’s centralization of power began well before the Bashir regime seized power in 1989, the consolidation significantly ramped up in the Bashir years. By the time South Sudan split from Sudan in 2011, Khartoum had turned most of the rest of the country into a prison colony that it raped and pillaged for the enrichment of Sudan’s political, religious, and military elite.
The Declaration of Principles agreement appears to aim a wrecking ball at this status quo. Here are two sections from the agreement that speak to that:
2-2: Emphasize the right of the peoples of the regions of Sudan to manage their affairs through decentralization or federalism.
2-5: Achieving justice in the distribution of power and wealth among all the peoples of the Sudanese regions to combat marginalization developmentally, culturally, taking into account the affirmative action of the war regions.
The SPLM-N and Nuba people have been holding out in hopes of separating religion from government. That now seems more likely to happen than ever before.
The Nuba people are one of the most oppressed people groups in Sudan, suffering for decades underneath brutal Islamic, military rule. The region is home to roughly 100 African tribal groups who collectively identify more broadly as Nuba. Christians and Muslims live largely in harmony in the Nuba Mountains.
When Sudan’s transitional government began forming after the fall of the Bashir regime, it became clear that a major, obvious sticking point for Sudan’s transition to democracy would be the interplay between religion and state. After 30 years of Khartoum violently trying to force sharia law on the Nuba people, secularism has strong appeal throughout this region especially.
The Declaration of Principles agreement speaks clearly in Section 2-3 to the need for separating religion and state :
The establishment of a civil, democratic, federal State in Sudan, wherein, the freedom of religion, the freedom of belief and religious practices and worship shall be guaranteed to all Sudanese people by separating the identities of culture, region, ethnicity and religion from the State. No religion shall be imposed on anyone and the State shall not adopt any official religion. The State shall be impartial in terms of religious matters and matters of faith and conscience. The State shall guarantee and protect the freedom of religion and practices. These principles shall be enshrined in the constitution.
But don’t forget that these are just words on paper.
As important as this new agreement is, history cannot be ignored. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan represented the transitional government in this agreement. Burhan is a holdover from the Bashir era, a time in which the government broke just about every ceasefire and peace deal they ever signed.
But this does not mean that the agreement is destined to fail. Despite the long-standing differences between Khartoum and the Nuba Mountains, leaders on both sides seem to not want to return to full-blown war. Whether that desire can translate into a real peace agreement or not is yet to be seen. Time will tell.
As has been the case since Sudan’s peaceful revolution in 2019, we remain cautiously optimistic about the future. There’s certainly a lot that can go wrong; however, for the first time in a long time, there’s also a lot that can go right.
Get Involved
Change in Sudan doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why Operation Broken Silence supports long-term education and healthcare programs in the Nuba Mountains region.
Several years ago we created an endowment fund, a move that has already proven its value. When COVID-19 temporarily brought our fundraising to a screeching halt in the spring and summer of 2020, this special fund helped us keep our doors open and our Sudanese partners afloat.
Right now, a generous private donor is matching all gifts to our endowment, up to $25,000 total! You can help by making a donation or starting a campaign and asking your friends and family to give.
Additional ways to support:
Join The Renewal, our family of monthly givers
Make checks payable to Operation Broken Silence, write Endowment in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 770900 Memphis, TN, 38177-0900
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more here.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.
Meeting With Senator Bill Hagerty's Office Concerning The International Affairs Budget
Our Executive Director met with Senator Bill Hagerty’s office for a conversation on U.S. foreign policy and the International Affairs Budget.
On March 10, Operation Broken Silence’s Executive Director Mark Hackett met with staff from Senator Bill Hagerty's office and a number of other nonprofit professionals, military veterans, and business leaders from across Tennessee for a conversation on U.S. foreign policy and the International Affairs Budget.
Following a robust and engaging discussion, we requested that the Senator:
Support a strong, effective, fully-resourced International Affairs Budget in FY22.
Support a comprehensive emergency response to COVID-19 that includes both domestic and international resources to protect the health and economic recovery here at home.
Ensure Congress continues to champion effective, accountable, and results-driven international affairs programs that keep America safe, grow our economy, and promote our values.
This meeting was organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, a nonpartisan organization uniting business, military, faith, and political leaders to strengthen U.S. investments in global development and diplomacy. Mark serves on USGLC’s Tennessee Advisory Committee.
About The International Affairs Budget
The International Affairs Budget supports American diplomacy and development initiatives, including funding for the State Department, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Peace Corps.
At a fraction of the cost of maintaining the US military, these non-military investments empower democracy, build free markets, combat violent extremism, fight poverty and health crises, and promote positive relationships with the United States.
Over the past four years, Congress overwhelmingly rejected the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to the International Affairs Budget on a bipartisan basis, instead consistently providing increases to these critical resources.
The Biden Administration is expected to release its first budget request for FY22 this spring. President Biden has been vocal about his commitment to restoring U.S. leadership abroad and has pledged to increase investments in America’s development and diplomacy programs that advance our nation’s interests and values.
Operation Broken Silence is funded by private donors and institutions. Although we do not receive federal grants, we understand the tremendous value of a strong State Department and USAID. Both agencies are critical to achieving a peace and just future in Sudan.
GET INVOLVED
Sudan’s transition to a more peaceful, just, and secure future is at risk.
Operation Broken Silence is on the frontlines alongside of brave Sudanese change makers. They need your support. Here are a few ways you can help them.
We focus on the oppressed Nuba Mountains region and nearby Yida Refugee Camp. Operation Broken Silence is the only nonprofit in the world funding education efforts in Yida, supporting 24 Nuba teachers and over 1,300 students at the Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary Schools.
Also, don’t forget that a generous private donor is matching all gifts to our Endowment Fund, up to $25,000 total! If you would like to double your impact, get involved here.
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more here.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.
Meeting With Senator Marsha Blackburn Concerning The International Affairs Budget
Our Executive Director met with Senator Marsha Blackburn for a conversation on U.S. foreign policy and the International Affairs Budget.
On March 3, Operation Broken Silence’s Executive Director Mark Hackett met with Senator Marsha Blackburn and a number of other nonprofit professionals, military veterans, and faith leaders from across Tennessee for a conversation on U.S. foreign policy and the International Affairs Budget.
Following a robust and engaging discussion, we requested that the Senator:
Support a strong, effective, fully-resourced International Affairs Budget in FY22.
Support a comprehensive emergency response to COVID-19 that includes both domestic and international resources to protect the health and economic recovery here at home.
Ensure Congress continues to champion effective, accountable, and results-driven international affairs programs that keep America safe, grow our economy, and promote our values.
This meeting was organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, a nonpartisan organization uniting business, military, faith, and political leaders to strengthen U.S. investments in global development and diplomacy. Mark serves on USGLC’s Tennessee Advisory Committee.
About The International Affairs Budget
The International Affairs Budget supports American diplomacy and development initiatives, including funding for the State Department, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Peace Corps.
At a fraction of the cost of maintaining the US military, these non-military investments empower democracy, build free markets, combat violent extremism, fight poverty and health crises, and promote positive relationships with the United States.
Over the past four years, Congress overwhelmingly rejected the Trump Administration’s proposed cuts to the International Affairs Budget on a bipartisan basis, instead consistently providing increases to these critical resources.
The Biden Administration is expected to release its first budget request for FY22 this spring. President Biden has been vocal about his commitment to restoring U.S. leadership abroad and has pledged to increase investments in America’s development and diplomacy programs that advance our nation’s interests and values.
Operation Broken Silence is funded by private donors and institutions. Although we do not receive federal grants, we understand the tremendous value of a strong State Department and USAID. Both agencies are critical to achieving a peace and just future in Sudan.
GET INVOLVED
Sudan’s transition to a more peaceful, just, and secure future is at risk.
Operation Broken Silence is on the frontlines alongside of brave Sudanese change makers. They need your support. Here are a few ways you can help them.
We focus on the oppressed Nuba Mountains region and nearby Yida Refugee Camp. Operation Broken Silence is the only nonprofit in the world funding education efforts in Yida, supporting 24 Nuba teachers and over 1,300 students at the Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary Schools.
Also, don’t forget that a generous private donor is matching all gifts to our Endowment Fund, up to $25,000 total! If you would like to double your impact, get involved here.
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more here.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.
Extra Details About Soirée For Sudan
Need additional details about Soirée For Sudan? Here they are!
The 9th annual Soirée For Sudan is May 5-9, 2021. Below, you can find additional details about our mission and the event.
THE CAUSE
Yida Refugee Camp is a place that should not exist. Tens of thousands of refugees live here after fleeing a brutal war that the Sudanese government launched on the Nuba Mountains region in 2011.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place in the Nuba Mountains since 2016. Mass protests swept across Sudan in 2019, ushering in a transitional government made up of surviving regime officials and new civilian leaders.
Despite these positive developments, little has changed in the Nuba Mountains and Yida Refugee Camp. Targeted violence by surviving regime paramilitaries continues. A peace agreement remains elusive. Many refugees still cannot return home.
The largest demographic in Yida is children under the age of 16.
Operation Broken Silence sponsors the high-performing Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary Schools in Yida Refugee Camp. We know that empowering local solutions — not swooping in and fixing problems on our own — is the only long-term answer to the immense challenges in Sudan. That’s why these two institutions are led entirely by Sudanese teachers.
Both schools make up the backbone of the fragile education system in Yida. Over the years, students at Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary have achieved the highest standardized testing scores in the Nuba region. Teachers from across the area have travelled to our two schools to learn how to improve their own classes.
We’ve delivered emergency supplies to other classrooms through Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary, and the teachers we support have pitched in their time at other schools as well. The positive impacts of the progress achieved every day here extend well beyond the walls of our classrooms.
Operation Broken Silence is still the only nonprofit in the world funding community-led education efforts in Yida. Without Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary, the entire education system here would collapse.
That’s why we have fought hard to grow these schools over the years. Today, we support 24 Nuba teachers who oversee roughly 1,300 students every day.
The wait list for students to get in is hundreds of names long. Roughly 50% of all students are female, a rare achievement for schools in Sudan. And there are certainly future community leaders in our classrooms.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic careened into our mission. As the world went into lockdown, we watched giving and fundraising screech to a halt overnight. Soirée For Sudan was postponed as well. And just like that, the teachers and students lost almost 60% of the funding they rely on.
The good news is that we worked hard to prepare for a comeback in 2021. Those preparations are now paying off. We’ve already restored almost 30% of the funding the schools lost. Your participation in Soirée For Sudan will help us continue closing the gap.
VIRTUAL DEMOS
Each demo has been professionally recorded and uploaded to Vimeo. We’ve made it incredibly easy to participate:
You do not need a Vimeo account to watch.
You’ll receive a link and password to a video each day.
Our team will email you an ingredient list for each demo the week before Soirée For Sudan. You can follow along as you watch the videos!
The recipes, instructions, and videos are yours to keep forever. Way better than a one-time Zoom thing, right?
SILENT AUCTION
The Silent Auction will be hosted online through our partner 32Auctions. This year’s auction includes top-notch art, a butcher box, and so much more! Here’s how it works:
We’ll send you a link to the Silent Auction on May 3 and reminders throughout event week.
You’ll be able to see photos, place competing bids, sign up for item alerts, and more.
Bidding runs through May 9. Once the Silent Auction closes, you’ll receive a notification if you won!
The Silent Auction is for our U.S. supporters only. If you win, we’ll be in touch the following week about delivering it to you.
T0-GO BRUNCH
We’re excited to partner with our good friends at Off The Square Catering for a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 9!
To-go brunch is for our Memphis supporters only and is available with select tickets. There is a vegan option available as well.
Additional details including menu items you can choose from are available during the ticketing process.
Have Questions?
We’re so grateful that you have chosen to join us for the 9th annual Soirée For Sudan. Please reach out to us at concierge@operationbrokensilence.org if you have any questions. We’ll be in touch soon!
Letter To Biden Administration Concerning International Criminal Court Sanctions
We’ve joined more than 70 non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups, and academic institutions call for the Biden Administration to repeal ICC sanctions.
THE LETTER
Operation Broken Silence has joined 70+ NGOs, faith-based groups, and academic institutions in calling on the Biden Administration to repeal sanctions on the International Criminal Court.
Read the letter and see the full list of signatories.
GET INVOLVED
Sudan’s transition to a more peaceful, just, and secure future is at risk.
Operation Broken Silence is on the frontlines alongside of brave Sudanese change makers. They need your support. Here are a few ways you can help them.
We focus on the oppressed Nuba Mountains region and nearby Yida Refugee Camp. Operation Broken Silence is the only nonprofit in the world funding education efforts in Yida, supporting 24 Nuba teachers and over 1,300 students at the Endure Primary and Renewal Secondary Schools.
Also, don’t forget that a generous private donor is matching all gifts to our Endowment Fund, up to $25,000 total! If you would like to double your impact, get involved here.
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more here.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.