Mohammed Ismail Eltahir Bera
Sudan
My political journey began in the vibrant halls of Nyala University, where I studied engineering but discovered my passion for advocacy and leadership. Elected as the president of the Engineering Association during my first year, I realised the power of organised efforts in shaping communities and influencing policy.
The suffering from institutional marginalisation, systematic killing, ethnic cleansing, and the Darfur genocide has strengthened my passion for changing policies in Sudan and shaping Sudan, where everyone is equal in rights. From this point on, my political journey began when I joined the Sudan Liberation Movement in 2017. In 2020, I served as a political secretary at the SLMA. This role was a defining chapter in my political journey and a winning chance to exercise my political skills in Sudan’s landscape, where more than 500 political parties exist. I honed my political strategy skills, emphasising the youth's role in shaping Sudan's future.
As a young politician, I aimed to remove Omer-Albashir’s regime and rebuild Sudan, where democracy is a principle for rolling and exercising power. Sudan has had a long history of authoritarian regimes since the independence of the country, where the military has been dominant in power and committed atrocities, including the Darfur genocide. The revolution of 2018 became a defining chapter in my life, and I aim to achieve my goal of a sustainable democratic government.
I fought for the freedom of democracy in Sudan by being first on the frontline, facing bullets and teargas by the police in the streets. The resistance committee in Sudan, known as the democracy Fighters, is on the streets to continue achieving the relocation goals. I had the honour of being part of this movement. As its spokesperson in Central Darfur, I represented a movement fighting for justice and change.
Despite personal risks during the 2021 military coup, I co-founded AWAFY Sudanese Organization as a social change movement. This youth-led movement stands as a beacon of hope, emphasising justice, human rights, and an end to impunity. It is driven by an unshakable belief that Sudan can rise above its dark history through collective effort and unwavering resolve. My journey has been shaped by a relentless belief in justice, equality, and the power of collective action to overcome oppression.AWAFY is now the most permanent organisation in Sudan, standing in line to serve the Sudanese people and advocate for Justice and accountability within regional and international mechanisms. Proudly, AWAFY is the first Sudanese NGO to deliver Humanitarian assistance after the INGOs stop their operations, evacuate their staff due to security issues, and initiate advocacy in the African Commission and the UN Security Council.
The Fate Of Justice After The Cursed War
The struggle for justice in Sudan is a collective one, deeply rooted in the shared experiences of oppression, marginalisation, and resistance. The history of Darfur, marked by genocide and war crimes, is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked tyranny and the erosion of human rights. Communities across Sudan have endured decades of systemic violence, culminating in the ongoing war that has displaced millions and taken countless lives.
As Sudanese, this collective suffering calls upon us to unite in our pursuit of justice and democracy. It is not just about individual survival; it is about safeguarding the future of a nation. The story of Sudan is not just one of struggle but of strength. From the young man leading protests to the elders advocating for peace in rural villages, every voice contributes to a symphony of resistance. Together, we are rewriting the narrative of our nation, proving that even in the face of tyranny, the spirit of a people cannot be broken.
Our resistance committees, civil society organisations, and grassroots movements exemplify the power of collective action. Together, we can rebuild Sudan, restore justice, and ensure that the marginalised voices are heard. This is not just my story; it is the story of a people determined to reclaim their dignity and chart a path toward lasting peace.This war is directly against the Sudanese people, and every Sudanese has been affected by this war, including me, either by leaving homes and becoming refugees in neighbouring countries or by losing loved ones. Personally, this war has taken my life fruit and dropped me in exile. I lost my loved ones during this plight, and it has also caused me trauma.
An Urgent Call to Action
The urgency of now lies in the escalating conflict that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023. The war has exacerbated atrocities, particularly in regions like Darfur, where communities face renewed genocidal violence. The displacement of millions, the destruction of livelihoods, and the erosion of hope demand immediate action. This is a pivotal moment for Sudan, a chance to either succumb to chaos or rise together to rebuild.
I am driven to focus on this crisis because it presents an opportunity to address historical injustices, rebuild independent judicial systems, and lay the groundwork for accountability. Through organisations like AWAFY, we must document violations, support transitional justice, and push for local and international mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable.
There is hope in this fight. The resilience of the Sudanese people, the dedication of civil society organisations, and the unwavering belief in justice fuel our efforts. Together, we can overcome the challenges before us, ensuring that future generations inherit a nation where equality, freedom, and human rights are not just aspirations but realities.
This is a call to action for all Sudanese and global allies. Our choices today will determine whether Sudan can emerge from this crisis stronger, united, and committed to justice. I call upon you to join this journey to document, advocate, and rebuild so that our people's sacrifices are not in vain and our vision for a just and peaceful Sudan becomes a reality.