Military Coup in Sudan: Implications for Human Rights
Hearing Notice
Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on the implications of the October 2021 military coup d’état in Sudan for human rights.
On October 25, 2021, the Sudanese military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, took control of Sudan’s government in a military coup d’état, interrupting an internationally endorsed process of democratic transition that had been underway in keeping with the 2019 Constitutional Declaration and the subsequent 2020 Juba Agreement. The coup prompted immediate international condemnation, including the expulsion of Sudan from the African Union, and has provoked broad protests. The military has sought to repress popular resistance to the coup with force, including widespread arbitrary detentions and, as of November 18, the reported killing of at least 39 people. Those detained include government ministers, members of political parties, lawyers, civil society activists, human rights defenders and protest leaders. Communications have been cut off at points and journalists have been a particular target. The November 21 agreement that reinstated Abdalla Hamdok as prime minister has not ended the crisis.
Witnesses will analyze the fluid political situation in Sudan and its potential implications for human rights, accountability and democracy, and offer recommendations for contributing to the restoration of genuine civilian-led government.
This hearing will be virtual. Pursuant to H. Res. 965, Members of Congress and witnesses will participate remotely via Cisco WebEx. Members of the public and the media may view the hearing by live webcast on the Commission website. The hearing will also be available for viewing on channel 52 of the House Digital Channel service. For any questions, please contact Kimberly Stanton (for Co-Chair McGovern) or Piero Tozzi (for Co-Chair Smith).
Hosted by:
James P. McGovern Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC | Christopher H. Smith Member of Congress Co-Chair, TLHRC |
Opening Remarks
- Rep. James P. McGovern, Co-Chair, TLHRC
Written remarks - Rep. Christopher H. Smith, Co-Chair, TLHRC
Written remarks
Witnesses
Panel I
- Bryan Hunt, Office of Sudan and South Sudan, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State
Written testimony
Panel II
- Jonas Horner, Senior Analyst, Sudan, International Crisis Group
Written testimony - Kholood Khair, Managing Partner, Insight Strategy Partners
Written testimony - Moneim Adam, Project Manager, The Sudanese Archives
Written testimony - Mausi Segun, Executive Director, Africa Division, Human Rights Watch
Written testimony
Submitted for the Record
- Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Statement to the 32nd Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the Implications of the Ongoing Situation in the Republic of the Sudan," November 5, 2021
- United States Commission on International Religous Freedom, Preserving Religious Freedom Progress in Sudan, November 2021
- Theodore Murphy, European Council on Foreign Relations, "Europe's Stance on Sudan: Why Backing the Prime Minister May Not Equate to Backing Democracy," November 25, 2021