A report highlights the forced disappearance of 715 civilians in Sudan. Of these, 666 are males and 49 are females. Specifically, 650 adult males, 16 male minors, 47 adult females, and 2 female minors have vanished.
Since April 15th, 18 children have disappeared, marking a clear violation of several provisions in the Child Convention. During the six months of war, May witnessed the highest number of forced disappearances with 141 cases.
Khartoum city recorded the maximum number of disappearances, totaling 309 cases, followed by Omdurman with 156 and Khartoum North with 130 cases.
The government’s Women and Child Protection Unit reported 136 cases of women being assaulted in its latest update.
Notably, civil forces in Sudan announced a foundational meeting today in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. They aim to form a broad civil front to halt the war and restore the democratic civil transition.
Al-Tayeb Al-Malkabi, a member of the special communication committee for the meeting, confirmed that preparations are complete. The event, scheduled for today, Saturday, has garnered significant response. Representatives from a wide spectrum of political, civil, and union forces are participating and have started arriving in Addis Ababa.
Al-Malkabi stated that the meeting’s agenda focuses on preparations for the general conference of civil powers. It also aims to establish a shared political vision and a clear structure for the front. Furthermore, they will determine participants for the foundational conference planned for November. Agreement on unified negotiation platforms to end the war, such as the African Union initiative and the Jeddah platform, will also be discussed.
A primary topic for the meeting is ceasing hostilities. This includes stopping hostile acts, addressing damages, shaping the desired civil transition, and security and military reforms.
Many national figures are participating, led by former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok. Representatives from Sufi paths, civil society, and businessmen are also attending. According to the conference’s media committee, the meeting will last four days, from October 21 to 24. Over 80 participants, representing various civil and political entities, are attending.