The Eritrean Research Institute for Policy and Strategy (ERIPS) is deeply saddened by the outbreak of fighting in Khartoum on April 15 and its spread to other regions of the nation. We are concerned about the bombardment and employment of heavy weaponry in cities. As a result, numerous people have been killed or injured, and civilian infrastructure has been destroyed. The fighting has also resulted in widespread displacement of innocent people. ERIPS urges all warring parties to halt the fighting and reach a peaceful resolution to their disagreements. We condemn the use of civilian homes and institutions, including hospitals, as military bases, as well as aerial bombing of such facilities. ERIPS vehemently denounces all attacks on civilians, regardless of who is to blame. ERIPS firmly supports the Sudanese people’s struggle for democracy, justice, and civilian governance.
Sudanese people supported Eritrea’s bid for independence. Sudan also welcomed almost a million Eritrean refugees during Eritrea’s liberation war (1961-1991). It continues to host Eritreans who escaped the persecution of the Eritrean regime following independence. Many Eritreans crossed into other nations through Sudan. Many people regard Sudan to be their second home.
We are equally concerned that Eritrean refugees in Sudan are caught up in the fighting and they are being forcefully repatriated to Eritrea. We urge the Sudanese Commission for Refugees (COR) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to shoulder responsibility for protecting Eritreans and other refugees in the country.
The Eritrean Research Institute for Policy and Strategy (ERIPS) is a research advocacy initiative aiming to address the limited public information and dialogue around issues that matter for the future well-being and democratic health of Eritrea and its people.
Eritrean Research Institute for Policy and Strategy (ERIPS)
May 30, 2023