On June 3, 2019, Sudanese security forces violently dispersed thousands of protesters in front of the army headquarters. These protesters had occupied this place for several weeks demanding the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir and his regime. The bloody spread of this gathering left more than a hundred dead. Two years later, the families of the victims still demand that those responsible for the massacre be brought to justice.
To this day, we still do not know the number of victims of this bloody day. 87 protesters were killed, according to authorities, more than 130 according to doctors linked to the protest movement. A figure that is added is missing. Many witnesses say they saw security forces throw dozens of bodies into the Nile.
At that time, a commission of inquiry was created by the civilian Prime Minister, Abdallah Hamdok. But two years later, she still has not left her conclusions. And the families of the victims – like Farah Abbas, who lost his 28-year-old son – no longer believe in justice. “I do not trust them to deliver justice. They have no interest in doing so. They just want to save time for people to forget. But we will not forget our martyrs. ”
Among the identified perpetrators of this repression: soldiers, police and especially the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group led by General Hemetti, a former militia leader, and today No. 2 of the Transitional Authorities. Several families with victims have decided to boycott this commission and demand an international inquiry.
These families of victims have gathered to pressure the government and demand that those responsible be brought to justice. Amira Kabos is the organization’s vice president. She lost her 26-year-old son the same day.
Amira Kabos: That day he left the house around two o’clock because he had heard that something was going to happen. Together with friends, he was responsible for protecting the barricades. He said to me, “I have to go.” And he went. After that we heard that it had been fired. His brother called him to tell him that it was dangerous, that he had to go home. But he replied, “No, I have to stay.” The last conversation we had with him was around 5:15 … after that nothing. We turned on the TV to see what was going on. And we called him again … but he did not answer. No more news until noon, when we learned that doctors from the hospital had published – on social networks – photos of deceased protesters to identify them.
And is that where you saw his photo?
Yes, my husband recognized it in a photo and went to the hospital. 30 minutes later he called me to tell me that our son was a martyr, he had been shot in the right eye, shot at an empty distance to kill him. After that we picked him up and buried him around 8 o’clock that evening.
Since then, have you had any information about what happened to him, who shot him?
No, even now we are still waiting to find out what happened. Following the massacre, a commission was set up by the government to investigate and determine liability. This commission had three months to carry out this work. We met them several times to ask where they were. But they told us that they were still not finished, that they needed more time and resources, but I do not think they really have the will or the means to reveal what they are. It really happened.
Why do you say that?
Because those who rule Sudan today are the ones responsible for this massacre … the military, Janjawid .. They are the ones responsible and they are in charge of the country, so it is not possible to get the truth.
Two years later, how are the families of the victims?
At first we felt very bad, but today it has turned into anger, because after this time we still have not received justice for our martyrs. This government is where it is today. Hui, thanks to the sacrifice of our children. This government must do them justice. It is very disappointing for all families. Nothing has changed, there is no justice, no peace, no freedom.
That day he left the house around two o’clock because he had heard that something was going to happen. Together with friends, he was responsible for protecting the barricades. He said to me, “I have to go.” And he went. After that we heard that it had been fired. His brother called him to tell him that it was dangerous, that he had to go home. But he replied, “No, I have to stay. The last conversation we had with him was around 5:15 … after that nothing.
Amira Kabos, mother of a victim
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