Solidarity protest presents local voices to raise awareness against brutal Sudan dictatorship

Organizers and community leaders around Milwaukee gathered for a peaceful protest on January 4 to show solidarity for Sudan.

After 30 years of dictatorship by Omar Al-Bashir, people are coming together to revolt against the killing of innocent children and civilians, increasing prices on basic necessities and bank accounts being frozen. Milwaukee organizers Yasmine Mohamed Ahmed and Mohammad Elsir discussed with the Wisconsin Muslim Journal the importance of this protest and how Milwaukee efforts can help support Sudan in their time of extreme suffering.

Wisconsin Muslim Journal: What was the importance of organizing a protest like this in Milwaukee?

Yasmine Mohamed Ahmed: Protests, such as the one currently happening in Sudan are important because history shows that in order to spark change, we must act. We’ve seen this with Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, etc. Somehow, Omar Al-Bashir has managed to rule Sudan for thirty years all while leading the country to corruption and economic decline all while profiting off the misfortune of others. People in Sudan are suffering from not being able to afford basic necessities as there is no money and costs are continuously rising to live in unbearable conditions. So, here are the people of Sudan attempting to restore their country through peaceful means and they are unfortunately being attacked and murdered.

Mohamed Elsir: One of the primary reasons for a protest like this is to bring awareness to the corruption currently occurring in Sudan by the Omar Al-Bashir regime. The Sudanese people have been patient for three decades too long and now want their country back from the dictator, wanted war criminal, murder and thief who ruined the country of Sudan.

Wisconsin Muslim Journal: What can individuals and the Milwaukee community do to support Sudan?

Yasmine Mohamed Ahmed: I have my own personal qualms about the Milwaukee community when it comes to supporting issues such as this — more specifically, the Muslim community. Over the years I’ve seen support go to specific causes and that same energy not given to others. None the less, it would be great if the Sudanese could be shown the same support by people simply educating themselves and using their voice to help increase awareness.

Mohamed Elsir: As of right now the most important thing is to keep everyone in Sudan in your prayers. The only thing that will help is having everyone speak up about the injustices that are occurring. Posting about it on social media and sharing accurate articles from legitimate news sources is also another thing people can do to bring awareness to the current uprising going on in Sudan against the corrupt government. This uprising has been underreported and I really want everyone to at least speak out about it and contact any reporters, journalists, news outlets about the matter. A number of hashtags are out there both in English and Arabic that people can use if they want to tweet or post about the topic (which would be greatly appreciated). #SudanRevolts #SudanUprising #Sudan_Uprising #مدن_السـودان_تنتفض are a few.

Wisconsin Muslim Journal: What was the experience like to participate and coordinate these awareness efforts?

Yasmine Mohamed Ahmed: My participation in coordinating the protest made me feel like I was making an impact. Again, I was already raising awareness through Instagram since day one, so being able to coordinate an event that would reach a larger audience was somewhat rewarding. I definitely haven’t seen anything about through mainstream media, which is expected and there are many people who are not aware of what’s going on. However, I have faith that our voices will be heard, Bashir will be overthrown, and Sudan will be able to rise again.

Mohamed Elsir: There are numerous emotions that one feels when coordinating efforts for a cause that is so dear. It felt really good to bring the Sudanese Community of Milwaukee to come out and support the revolution taking place in Sudan. Seeing children of all ages with their parents, friends, and work colleagues all standing united was a great site to see. However, it is also heart breaking because this is the least we can do is to speak out and bring this issue to light. Meanwhile, young children in Sudan are dying because they are practicing their freedom of speech and right to protest and that is not acceptable. The Sudanese people are exhausted and tired of being ruled for 30 years by a man that is not moving the country and it’s people forward. Jobs don’t exist, living conditions are unbearable, hundreds of thousands of people are dying all because the dictator in charge does not want to share the wealth, as the people of Sudan continue to suffer. This protest was to empower the people of Sudan and to tell them that we hear you. To tell them America is with you and we are speaking out for you. To let them know to not give up until we get that incompetent dictator to step down once and for all.

Wisconsin Muslim Journal: How is Milwaukee similar to where you are from Sudan? And, what would you say to people in Milwaukee to care about this situation?

Yasmine Mohamed Ahmed: I think both Milwaukee and the U.S. as a whole face similar disparities compared to Sudan, such as poverty, education, and healthcare. We have elected officials who we’ve entrusted to make situations better, but instead they are taking advantage or making things worse for that matter. Milwaukee should care because this is a humanitarian issue and also, we could be facing the same problem given our current political state.

Mohamed Elsir: The community members in Milwaukee should care because I am certain many people can empathize with what is going on in Sudan, especially those from other Muslim/Arab countries. The idea of having a corrupt dictator in power for decades is not something that only the Sudanese people are dealing with. Many Arab countries have dealt and continue to deal with a similar situation. It just so happens that now is the time that the people of Sudan are saying enough is enough. They are fed up with the killing and murder of innocent children, women, and civilians. They had enough of the terrible economic crisis, the lack of adequate healthcare and public education, and the 100% inflation rate. As the president of Sudan Omar Al-Bashir continues to steal the countries money for himself and his family, he is accountable for the death of hundreds of thousands of people. People who are being killed by his armed forces daily. He is accountable for the people that are dying every single day in his pathetic and embarrassing hospitals. As Omar Al- Bashir continues to murder, steal and get rich, there are people who are making less than $5 a month and cannot even put food on the table for their families, yet alone afford electricity and housing.