The Sudanese Embassy in Kampala turned into a hub of protest on Friday afternoon as members of Uganda’s Sudanese community staged a demonstration condemning what they described as escalating atrocities by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur.
Organised under the “Popular Rally to Support Sudan,” the protest followed Friday prayers at the embassy mosque in Kololo and drew dozens of Sudanese nationals living in Uganda.
Clutching banners and placards, they voiced outrage over the recent spate of killings in Darfur, with many signs bearing strong statements like “No to killing” and “RSF is a criminal militia.”
Some protesters also accused the United Arab Emirates and its President Mohammed bin Zayed of fuelling the conflict by supporting the RSF.
The demonstration came in the wake of fresh attacks in North Darfur’s El Fasher and Zamzam camps, where over 300 civilians were reportedly killed in RSF-led assaults last weekend.
The violence has triggered condemnation from several quarters, including the United Nations Security Council, which on April 17 expressed alarm over the spiralling humanitarian crisis and rising civilian death toll.
Speakers from the Sudanese diaspora took turns criticising the RSF, describing it as a “genocidal militia” with a long record of brutality in Darfur.
They accused the group of war crimes, including the targeted killing of children, women, and displaced people.
Ambassador Ahmed Ibrahim, Sudan’s envoy in Uganda, addressed the crowd and called on the international community to take urgent action.
“The crisis began after RSF Janjaweed commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo attempted a failed coup against the central government. Since then, the militia has launched relentless attacks across Darfur, leaving civilians trapped, displaced or dead,” he said.
The ambassador appealed for emergency humanitarian support and the immediate opening of secure corridors to aid over 10 million displaced Sudanese.
He said many had been forced into camps both within and outside Sudan and called on international bodies to hold the RSF and its foreign backers accountable.
The protesters echoed these demands, urging prosecution of those responsible for the violence and increased international pressure on external actors allegedly fuelling the conflict.
They accused the UAE of complicity in the atrocities through what they described as military and financial support to the RSF.
“This protest is not just about our anger. It’s about demanding accountability. The world must not watch in silence as our people are slaughtered,” said one protester.
While the mood was heavy with grief and anger, there were also words of gratitude.
Ambassador Ibrahim thanked the Ugandan government and President Yoweri Museveni for offering refuge to Sudanese fleeing the war.
“We are grateful to Uganda for opening its doors and hearts to our people during this crisis. President Museveni has treated Sudanese citizens with dignity, not as refugees but as brothers and sisters,” he said.
Protesters called on the African Union, the East African Community, and the United Nations to intensify efforts to end the conflict.
They advocated for an immediate cessation of hostilities, deployment of peacekeeping forces, and protection of humanitarian convoys.
Organisers said the rally was an urgent effort to amplify the voices of the Sudanese people and shine a spotlight on atrocities being committed with impunity back home.
“We can no longer remain silent. The bloodshed in Darfur must stop. We are calling on the conscience of the world to act now, before more lives are lost,” one of the organisers said.
The United Nations estimates that over nine million people have been displaced in Sudan since the conflict reignited in April 2023.
Many now live in dire conditions in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps or have fled to neighbouring countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
In its April 17 press statement, the UN Security Council cited credible reports that RSF attacks on Zamzam and other IDP camps had left more than 300 dead.
It demanded an immediate halt to hostilities and called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
Humanitarian organisations have also warned of worsening famine, mass displacement, and ongoing atrocities if there is no swift and coordinated international intervention.