Winnipeg’s South Sudanese community calls for justice in solidarity rally amid violence in Sudan

Members of Winnipeg's South Sudanese community rallied together Saturday amid ongoing violence in Sudan.

Members of Winnipeg’s South Sudanese community are calling for justice amid violence and rising tensions in Sudan.

On Saturday, dozens of Winnipeggers gathered to condemn the alleged killings of South Sudanese civilians and refugees by the Sudanese Armed Forces earlier this month.

“The war in Sudan has been ongoing for a long time, but the manner in which those refugee and civilians were killed was very brutal, unacceptable,” said Reuben Garang, the president of the Council of the South Sudanese Community of Manitoba. “This is something that South Sudan has condemned, and we are here to condemn it, too.”

While tensions have been high in Sudan since the onset of the Darfur crisis in 2003, the latest burst of violence stems from clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces nearly two years ago. But even before the civil war broke out, Sudan was experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions in dire need of support.

The recent alleged killings of South Sudanese nationals by militia groups have sparked protests in the country’s capital, as well as violent, targeted attacks on Sudanese people in Juba.

Back in Winnipeg, Garang said he hopes the rally will send a message to Canada and the world to stand with victims’ families so justice can be served.

“Our message is a message of peace,” he continued. “We have been calling (on) South Sudan not to rebel, not to attack Sudanese who are inside South Sudan, because we are not for violence. We are for peace.”

Garang said the group is calling on the provincial government to join them in demanding justice for victims and their families. He added that community members will also write letters to the federal government to push for accountability.