From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
Amnesty International has called for cease fire in the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, calling on Nigeria and other African giants to take action against spreading of the crisis.
The Amnesty International made the call at the presentation of a report on the crisis in Kano on Monday.
Speaking at the presentation, which was attended by some displaced Sudanese in Nigeria, Chairman, board of trustees, Amnesty International Nigeria, Auwal Rafsonjani disclosed that tens of thousands of people have been killed in the country.
Represented by the organization’s Country Director, Isa Musa, Rafsonjani said nearly 14 million people in Sudan have been displaced as a result of the crisis.
According to him, over 3, 100 of between 3nto 7 million Sudanese of Nigerian origin had returned to Nigeria.
Amnesty lamented that almost all of the returnees had their education disrupted by the conflict , which it accused Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committed.
It also accused RSF of commiting crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during its campaign to seize El Fasher in North Darfur state in Sudan.
Rafsonjani said Amnesty decided to present the report in Kano “because of the importance of the historical ties with Sudan through ancient Trans-Saharan trade routes and centuries of Islamic scholarship.
“Also, Nigeria plays a significant role in African politics. We believe that a stable and peaceful Sudan is vital for the prosperity of Nigeria and Africa in general.
“I solicit your support for our loud call for an immediate ceasefire and deployment of a peacekeeping force to protect civilians in Sudan,” he said.
“Why Sudan matters? Sudan is one of the largest African countries in terms of landmass, with great history of cultural and historical significance.
“It is a country of 51 million people and a prosperous economy. It was estimated that Sudan has 56 universities offering competitive education that was benefitting international students.
“Also there between 3 to 7 million Sudanese of Nigerian origin, with roots from Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri. Since the conflict got intense in 2023 at least 3,100 Nigerians returned home from Sudan.
“The number can be higher. But majority of the 3,100 Nigerians repatriated back home were students. Almost all of them had their education disrupted by the conflict.
“This is a tragedy. Since the fighting began in 2023, tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly 14 million people have been displaced,” Mr Rafsonjani lamented.
He also called on Nigeria to action against the spread of the conflict to its boundaries in view of their geographical proximity.
According to him, Nigeria plays an important role in scholarship and trade with Sudan, there is the need the Federal Government take action to stop the conflict.
He noted that Amnesty International decided to present the report to Nigeria because of its important position in conflict resultion I’m Africa.
“ Nigeria has an opportunity to intervene and to call for the deployment of peacekeeping troops in Sudan.
“We believe that that is the only way to restore peace in that country. We know what is happening in Sudan. We know the atrocities being committed by RSF. We know the killings ongoing. Enough is enough.
“We have to take action and we all have responsibility. First of all, as human beings to make sure that this atrocities end and those responsible or suspected or be responsible are brought to Justice,” he said.
