It seems crazy and somewhat archaic to think that in 2019, there are still many people in the world fighting for fundamental rights. But it’s a sad reality that, in 2019, there are still places in the world where it’s illegal to educate women. There are places in the world where slavery is still being practiced. There are places in the world where the government continues to trample over human rights as if the lives they shatter mean nothing. Such has been the case in the Sudan, where civilian-led protests have been going on since December of 2018, initially to overthrow the then-president Omar al-Bashir, then later, to overthrow the military council put in place after al-Bashir was ousted from office in April by a military coup. Celebrations were cut bitterly short once people realized that the newly installed military council planned to maintain office for at least two years. Protests quickly resumed to have the military council replaced with a civilian council and came to a bloody head on June 3, after the military council called for the violent disbandment of the protestors which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. According to government officials, 30 people were killed that day, while the protestors maintain that over 100 lives were lost. These protest organizations also allege that women are being raped and beaten, while many others have been abducted. The government denies any of these accusations, though countless videos and eyewitness testimonies have shown up to the contrary, though the military-ordered country wide internet blackout leads you to believe there might be something they don’t want us to know. 

Videos showing men, women and children marching in the streets, chanting to have their voices heard, makes their efforts all too real. No one wants to see babies take up the fight. What child should have to go through that? But, this ‘revolution of the people’ as some are calling it, is just another added to the surprisingly long list of rebellions, uprisings and revolutions cited by Wikipedia, including the most recently memorable yellow vest movement in France. As you scroll the extensive list Wikipedia has comprised, it’s easy to realize that revolutions have and most likely will always be a part of history as we humans struggle to maintain the balance of power between those being represented and those representing.  It is my belief that the duty of the government is to represent its people fairly and justly, always maintaining the best interest of the people; just as I believe that it is the duty of the people to refuse to honor a government that does not govern as such, and to fully allege to the government that does truly have and keep their best interests at heart. As I consider the fight that my fellow brothers and sisters in the Sudan have against what they perceive as an unjust government, I pray that more of us have the courage to do what they are doing and stand up for ourselves against any government that threatens or abuses the rights of its people. 

I know the Sudan is far and most of us may not know anyone personally fighting for their rights in the Sudan, keeping us disconnected from the whole situation. But anytime anyone has to fight for freedom, it is everyone’s business. Everyone likes to turn a blind eye and deaf ear until they are the ones with trampled liberties.  As our brothers and sisters continue to fight for the right to govern themselves as they see just, we need to offer our support, prayers, positive energy and anything else we can while and then ask ourselves, ‘could we be next?’ #blueforsudan