Aegis Students’ campaigning this month will be focused on Sudan. There is one year remaining until a referendum that will decide the future of Sudan; this referendum will determine whether or not the Southern region of Sudan becomes independent from the North. Experts fear that instability in the run-up to the referendum or its aftermath could reignite a civil war and cause massive human rights abuses, unless international efforts are intensified to find a peaceful path through the next 12 months. Saturday 9th January marked the five year anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the 20 year civil war between Northern and Southern Sudan in which 2 million people were killed. With many highly contentious issues still to be resolved and amidst increasing inter-ethnic violence in the South and continued attacks on civilians in Darfur, there is a real risk of a return to conflict that could destabilise the entire region and place civilians in grave danger.
Sudan 365 is a new campaign to call for global action on Sudan and a beat for peace. This campaign has been supported by some of the world’s most famous drummers - including Phil Selway, Radiohead; Stewart Copeland, The Police; Nick Mason, Pink Floyd; Jonny Quinn, Snow Patrol; Caroline Corr; Richard Jupp, Elbow; Middle Eastern star Mohammed Mounir and Mustapha Tettey Addy who has been drumming since the 1970s. This you tube hit has been viewed over 73,000 times since 9th January! Watch it here!
Aegis Students joined the movement at a Diaspora gathering outside 10 Downing Street on Saturday 9th. They stood in solidarity with the people of Sudan and joined the beat for peace with homemade drums and chanting. Click here for a short film about the event. For more information on Sudan 365 visit: www.sudan365.org
Aegis Students is also supporting the Sudan Letter Writing Campaign, which calls upon M.Ps to urge our government to support sustainable peace in Sudan. Please take this five minute action now.