Revolution, Counter-Revolution, and War
The Middle East and North Africa Solidarity Network (MENA Solidarity) hosted its annual Sudan Solidarity Conference, Sudan Solidarity Conference 2024 on October 27, 2024 online under the theme “Revolution, Counter-Revolution, and War”. The conference aimed to provide a platform for discussion, analysis, and solidarity-building regarding the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Representatives from various trade unions, civil society organisations, and community groups from around the world participated.
Link to Sudan Solidarity Conference 2022
Link to Sudan Solidarity Conference 2023
Conference Highlights
Miriam Scharf, an International Officer from the National Education Union, chaired the conference. It began with a screening of a film produced by Kurve Wustrow and the BANA Group for Peace and Development. This film explores the Sudanese revolution and the impact of the war, and is set to be officially released before the end of November. MENA Solidarity will share it once available.
Speakers:
- Asmaa Al-Nour Hamad – Bana Group for Peace and Development
- The Sudanese Workers’ Alliance for the Restoration of Trade Unions
- Shadia Abdelmoneim – The Revolutionary Charter for Establishing People’s Authority
- Ali Tonga – The Alliance for Demand-Based Campaigns
- Muzan Alneel
- Rania Obaid – MENA Solidarity
Asmaa Al-Nour Hamad, a community activist, social researcher on peace and gender issues, and member and coordinator of the BANA Group for Peace and Development, has also contributed to the production of the film ‘Forgotten Voices‘. Although she was unable to join the conference due to technical difficulties, she sent the following speech:
“Good evening everyone. I would like to begin by offering my condolences to the martyrs who lost their lives in this bloody war that Sudan has been witnessing since April 15, 2023. As we know, the war of the 15th is an extension of the internal wars that Sudan has been experiencing since the dawn of independence. Therefore, I pray for all the martyrs and express my full solidarity with the forgotten victims of the wars in Sudan. I also thank the Middle East and North Africa Solidarity Network for their continued support for Sudanese causes. And I thank all of you for attending this conference.
My name is Asmaa al-Nour Hamad, an activist in the field of social issues in Sudan, specifically in Darfur. I am the coordinator of the Bana Group for Peace and Development in Darfur. I was one of the participants in the production of the film ‘Forgotten Voices’ as one of those affected by the war of the 15th on a personal level. I classify myself as one of the victims of this war and a victim of the racism and revenge that all revolutionaries have been suffering from since the outbreak of this war. I paid the price for being part of the December revolution, as I did not have a safe displacement. I was subjected to many harassments on my way out of El Fasher city by the warring parties who direct their weapons at us civilians, each in their area of control. I was accused of spying in areas controlled by the army in a racist and humiliating manner, simply because I am from a region that they classify as a stronghold for the Rapid Support Forces militia, which was brought from the army’s deformed womb.
Well, I will talk about the film ‘Forgotten Voices.’ In this film, we sought to convey our voice to the world so that the whole world knows that we civilians, especially women, have been harmed by this war and our bodies have been used as bills for this cursed war. We also wanted, through this film, to send media messages about our situation inside, as this war is led by parties that do not care about our survival, and therefore they are not keen on ending it.
We called on all peace advocates and the United Nations to stand behind our demands as civilians and put an end to this war that has humiliated our dignity, displaced, and impoverished us.
The film was recorded in many conflict zones in Sudan, including Darfur, whose states and cities have witnessed the worst humanitarian disasters as a result of the war. Its residents have been forcibly displaced, and El Geneina region alone has witnessed a large-scale displacement and refuge to Chad. As activists in solidarity with women, we have monitored the displacement of nearly five thousand women within one month as a result of the events of El Geneina towards El Fasher. Nyala also witnessed displacement and refuge. So did Medani, Khartoum, Omdurman, Sinnar, and many other areas in Sudan.
Through the film, we created videos of voices for forgotten displaced people in this war who talked about their suffering and the impact of this war on their economic and social lives and the challenges they faced during displacement. We recorded many voices from displaced women, men, housewives, technicians, musicians, actors, actresses, judges, farmers, and professionals. These people appealed to the international community and focused on issues that are priorities for them, most importantly the immediate cessation of fire and humanitarian assistance, especially for women, as they are the most affected segment of this war. Women in Sudan are living in catastrophic conditions and facing many challenges, including reproductive and psychological health challenges, protection challenges, and challenges in accessing food, water, and medicine. These are the negative effects of this war. I thank you all and thank those concerned with this conference for sharing the film. I also thank all those who participated in the production of this film, and a special thank you to Mai Shatta for her great effort in this film. Thank you”.
The Sudanese Workers’ Alliance for the Restoration of Trade Unions also faced challenges in providing a speaker due to security concerns and the targeting of unionists and revolutionaries in Sudan. They sent a message to be shared with the audience and the workers’ movement globally:
“To the honourable workers and the free, struggling advocates of justice and true democracy worldwide, including unionists and human rights defenders,
Peace be upon you,
Let us begin by honouring the courageous souls who gave their lives to establish the foundations of justice and labour union movements in every free land across our nations. We also extend our prayers and condolences to the victims within our country due to the devastating war that has burdened Sudan and its people.
Today, we face a grim reality that threatens the rights of the Sudanese working class. This reality has been shaped by forces that have overpowered justice and stripped away the people’s will, seeking to block our path to democracy after a remarkable revolution that inspired freedom fighters around the world. These forces have suppressed the free union voices and fragmented the unity of workers and unionists in our country. We firmly reject the legitimacy of the “Sudanese Workers’ Trade Union Federation” which has never genuinely represented the hopes and aspirations of the workers. Rather, it has been a tool of repression and subjugation in the hands of the authorities, repeatedly violating the rights of unionists and free voices under the former regime. Additionally, it has been implicated in documented corruption cases involving embezzlement and financial misconduct.
For years, unionists and workers have endured the harshest forms of repression, facing imprisonment and being denied their most basic rights to expression and organisation. Many union activists sacrificed greatly to improve workers’ conditions, only to be “rewarded” with dismissal, harassment, imprisonment, and even torture.
Today, as we endure the horrors of a brutal war that has ravaged our nation, the suffering of workers has intensified. Institutions have collapsed amidst the ongoing power struggle, rights have been eroded, and poverty and hunger have worsened. Most workers have lost their jobs and wages, leaving them unable to meet the basic needs of themselves and their families. Sudanese workers now find themselves caught between the hammer of war, displacement, and homelessness, and the anvil of poverty. They live without economic security or stability, lacking shelter and the dignity of a decent daily life.
Instead of standing by them, the de facto government, through its various administrations, has imposed more suffering, wielding the sword of increasing abuses and failing to respond responsibly to the state’s economic collapse, the displacement and homelessness of women and children, and the spread of diseases and epidemics throughout the country. Even the most basic necessities of life have become scarce.
This war that has killed many thousands and displaced millions is a war over the control of Sudan’s power and wealth, and we are paying the price for the greed of our military forces that is fuelled by personal and foreign interests. The warring parties are criminals and are committing war crimes against the Sudanese people.
We in the Sudanese Workers Alliance for the Restoration of Trade Unions stand firm against them and call upon you all, in Britain and worldwide to stand in solidarity with us. We urge you to raise the banner of solidarity and press upon your unions, your organisations, and your governments to take immediate and meaningful actions:
1- Lobby the Government to Cease Arms Support: Pressure your governments to stop supplying arms to Sudan’s neighbouring countries that fuel this conflict. This includes passing motions, mobilising petitions, organising public campaigns, and contacting MPs or government representatives to highlight the role of foreign arms in prolonging Sudan’s suffering.
2- Build Awareness and Solidarity Campaigns: Launch campaigns within trade unions, community groups, and social organisations to spread awareness about the situation in Sudan. Host events, webinars, and discussions to inform people about the devastating impact of the war on Sudanese civilians, emphasising the exploitation of Sudan’s resources and people by foreign interests.
3- Push for UN Intervention to Create Safe Humanitarian Corridors
Your solidarity is crucial in our fight for justice and a peaceful future for the people of Sudan. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you”.
Shadia Abdelmoneim is a political, human rights, and feminist activist representing the Political Committee of the Revolutionary Charter for Establishing People’s Authority. This charter reflects the vision of the resistance committees across Sudan—grassroots neighbourhood organisations that have played and continue to play a vital role in the revolution. Abdelmoneim articulated the position of the Revolutionary Charter for Establishing People’s Authority, stating: “We in the Revolutionary Charter stand against the war. We oppose both sides involved in this conflict: the militia (Rapid Support Forces – Janjaweed) and the army, which is under the control of the Islamists and the Security Committee of the previous regime”.
Ali Tonga Ali, a member of the secretariat of the Alliance for Demand-Based Campaigns (TAM) and the secretary of policies, addressed the conference. TAM is an alliance of 81 affiliates across Sudan, ranging from workers’ organisations to campaigns for environmental justice and refugee rights. Mr. Tonga stated:
“What our alliance proposes includes a clear vision for the future of Sudan, based on rejecting political recklessness and establishing a democratic roadmap that leads forward.
Sudan now stands at a critical crossroads, facing deep political and security challenges that require constructive and well-thought-out solutions. This is not the time for blame or political manoeuvres; we must focus on a common goal of fostering a unified, stable, and democratic Sudan.
The coup on October 25, 2021, disrupted the democratic transition, leaving the situation open to complex and urgent humanitarian and political threats. Today, we must face this reality with clarity and determination.
Sudan’s current reality is fraught with major challenges, including collusion and cooperation to thwart the democratic transition. Since April 2019, some Sudanese political and military forces have shown a pattern of both covert and overt cooperation to undermine democratic aspirations, hindering Sudan’s progress towards democracy and peace.
While Sudan’s natural resources are exploited for the benefit of external parties, Sudanese people are deprived of the revenues needed to strengthen institutions, upgrade services, improve living standards, and ensure the right to life. Some regional forces are wary of seeing a democratic Sudan, while others exploit the deteriorating situation for illicit gains, fuelling instability.
The tactics of “divide and rule” through tribal and ethnic divisions and community fragmentation have weakened social cohesion, aiming to enhance control by exploiting and managing local tensions.
The lack of effective international action has greatly increased the cost, and the absence of international accountability for those responsible for Sudan’s suffering has allowed the conflict to continue without fear of punishment, undermining stability and making the country vulnerable to external interventions. Weak diplomatic pressure has exacerbated the problem, leaving Sudan weak and isolated on the global stage.
Effective international support priorities must include the necessity of providing constructive and coordinated international efforts to achieve peace, prosperity, and the establishment of democratic governance in Sudan. Key measures include:
1- Preventing the flow of weapons to warring parties by imposing strict restrictions on arms transfers and closely monitoring borders to limit the flow of military supplies.
2- Preventing the illegal exploitation of resources and stopping the plundering of Sudan’s resources, imposing sanctions on unauthorized beneficiaries to ensure that the country’s wealth is used to support development and stability.
3- Opening safe corridors for relief and humanitarian operations to ensure that urgent aid reaches those in need without any interference from warring parties, alleviating suffering.
4- Empowering civil initiatives aimed at achieving democratic transition by supporting and assisting Sudanese civil society in building its democratic institutions, as a fundamental step towards sustainable stability.
Humanitarian aid provided to the displaced should also contribute to creating a solid foundation for their safe return to their areas and communities. All this should be done by adopting Sudanese-led solutions and avoiding escalation; as the intensity of mobilisation among Sudanese parties increases, the risks of escalating the conflict into an ethnic war within Sudan or a comprehensive regional war also increase. All these factors point to threats and the danger of Sudan’s fragmentation and its transformation into areas controlled by multiple militias.
Strengthening Sudanese unity and empowering initiatives led by activists and trusted institutions, away from the influence of warring parties, enhances national unity and contributes to building a collective identity, paving the way for a comprehensive national project. Increasing oversight on the flow of weapons and imposing sanctions on entities supporting conflict parties limits the access of weapons to militias, reducing their influence and spread.
With the necessity of stopping militia funding, Sudan’s resources should be directed towards national development instead of funding militias, with transparent controls that benefit all Sudanese. Efforts should focus on enhancing community reconciliation, and implementing educational and awareness programs that respect Sudan’s diversity, establish peaceful coexistence, and support social cohesion.
Supporting Sudanese civil institutions to create a strong political structure that addresses all problems through peaceful and democratic solutions instead of military means. The Sudanese people still have a historic opportunity, and the way forward requires unity, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to democratic humanitarian principles. With international response and support for Sudanese efforts, Sudan can overcome the current crisis and avoid division and instability that threaten the region.
Our commitment to Sudan is a commitment to peace, stability, and a shared global future”.
Muzan Alneel, a Sudanese researcher and writer, discussed the socio-political effects of the war. Alneel said: “The defeat of the revolutionary narrative and the domination of the State’s narrative have led to elevating the status of the national army, especially in historically privileged areas experiencing direct violence for the first time, and the shock that comes with that”. She confirmed that this is a false narrative and explained the way for a revolutionary comeback.
Here is an article based on her talk at the 2024 Marxism Festival in London, held in July, which provides more context on her analysis of the revolution and war.
https://isj.org.uk/sudan-revolution-war-and-imperialism/
Rania Obaid, a Sudanese activist, representing the Middle East and North Africa Solidarity Network, discussed the nature of the Sudanese state. She stated: “We should really stress in this point, especially when we are speaking about the Sudanese army and his history in Sudan. Because of this, I think the position of having not being in any side is the only position that Sudanese people should take and go forward from it”.
It’s important to note that all our guest speakers have had to leave Sudan for other countries, seeking shelter and safety.
After the speakers’ rounds contributions were taken from the audience. Hussain Said, a human rights lawyer, discussed the question of taking sides between the army and the militia and emphasised the importance of having a clear revolutionary vision.
Khalid Sidahmed, from MENA Solidarity and an Equality Officer in Portsmouth Trades Council, said: “Both the army and the militia are criminals fighting over the rule and resources of Sudan”. Mr Sidahmed emphasised the importance of building international solidarity to support the Sudanese revolution.
Anne Alexander, from MENA Solidarity and a member of the University and College Union, highlighted the importance of grassroots mobilisation and discussed the role of the Sudanese state in paving the way to the current war. Alexander explained the links between the struggle in Sudan and Palestine, reiterating the importance of linking the two together.
Miriam Scharf closed the conference by thanking all participants and reiterating MENA Solidarity’s commitment to supporting Sudan’s revolutionary forces.
MENA Solidarity reiterates its support for the revolutionary forces in Sudan and condemns the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces as enemies of the people’s revolution, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. We understand the role of Sudan’s regional neighbours and global powers, including the British government, in fuelling the war and supplying arms to both warring sides.
We will continue working with our allies to amplify the voices of our Sudanese comrades and build campaigns and movements in Britain to support the Sudanese revolution and pressure the British government to stop arms sales to Sudan’s neighbours who feed arms to both sides.
Resources and background:
Listen to this interview to learn more about what is happening in Sudan.
For more information and resources, access our Stop the War in Sudan toolkit and sign the postcard addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the British government to support the Sudanese people.
Share this motion with your union branch and advocate for its adoption: Model Motion – Stand with Sudan: Stop the War, Support the People
Download resources:
- ‘Famine is the new war’ Sudan Update September 2024 – download the leaflet >>here
- ‘Stopping Sudan’s hidden war’ Sudan Update March 2024 – download the leaflet >>here
- ‘Why is there a war in Sudan?’ Sudan Update May 2023 – download the leaflet >>here
- ‘Stop the war in Sudan’ Sudan Update April 2023 – download the leaflet >>here
- Stop the war in Sudan / Refugees welcome A4 poster – download >>here
MENA Solidarity Network 
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