FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[City, Country, e.g., Kampala, Uganda] – [Date] – The African Organization for Rights
and Development (AFORD), a registered, independent, and non-profit non-governmental
organization, today unequivocally reaffirmed its status as a civil society organization
dedicated to human rights, development, and peace-building.
AFORD stresses that it is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, the Rapid Support
Forces (RSF) or any militia group. The organization categorically condemns any and all
violent military operations that target Sudanese civilians, civilian infrastructure, or violate
international humanitarian law.
🛡️ Commitment to Independence and Non-Violence
AFORD’s core mandate is rooted in the principles of non-violence, democracy, and the rule of
law. The organization firmly rejects any association that attempts to compromise its
independence or divert its mission toward military or partisan objectives.
“AFORD stands in solidarity with the Sudanese people in their struggle for peace, freedom,
and justice,” said [Insert Name and Title of AFORD Representative, e.g., Dr. Amina Ali,
Executive Director]. “We are not a militia or a political wing; we are a civil society movement
composed of intellectuals, human rights activists, and pro-democracy advocates from across
Africa. Our sole loyalty is to the protection of human rights and the pursuit of a democratic
future for Sudan.”
🕊️ A History of Human Rights and Peace Work
AFORD’s work spans nearly two decades and is guided by the objective of ending the cycle
of violence and war toward coexisting communities. Our primary focus areas highlight a
long-standing commitment to foundational democratic principles:
● Human Rights Advocacy: AFORD actively promotes human rights,
non-discrimination, and social justice through prevention, documentation, and
advocacy, working with grassroots activists and civil society partners in Sudan and other
regions.
● Peace-Building and Dialogue: A central part of AFORD’s mission is to support regional
and international efforts to arrest armed conflicts through peaceful means. We
endeavor to build and create a democratic society through dialogues and connecting
people, civil society organizations, and community-based groups.
● Democratic Governance: AFORD’s values are founded on transparency, democracy,
and respect. The organization is deeply committed to supporting a transition to
inclusive, constitutional governance in Sudan where all rights are guaranteed and the
state operates under the rule of law.
AFORD’s actions have consistently prioritized addressing the needs of the most affected
communities, promoting socio-economic development, and preventing human rights
violations and crises in its areas of operation.
🛑 Addressing Smear Campaigns and Misinformation
AFORD is aware of a concerted social media smear campaign orchestrated by certain
politically aligned groups and individuals. These deliberate misinformation tactics, often
fueled by the personal political affiliations of a few individuals within the civilian component,
aim to destroy the reputation of AFORD and invalidate years of legitimate human rights
and development work. AFORD views these attacks as a dangerous distraction from the
ongoing humanitarian crisis and a direct threat to the integrity of independent civil society in
Sudan. We urge the public to critically evaluate the source of such claims and recognize them
as politically motivated attempts to undermine organizations working for the common good.
AFORD will continue to stand by its mandate, prioritizing the needs of the Sudanese people
over political infighting.
📢 Call to Action
AFORD urgently calls on all warring parties to:
1. Immediate Cessation of Hostilities: Instantly halt all fighting and commit to a
permanent ceasefire.
2. Protect Civilians: Uphold obligations under international humanitarian law, ensuring the
safety of all civilians and refraining from targeting civilian infrastructure.
3. Unimpeded Humanitarian Access: Guarantee safe and unhindered access for all
humanitarian aid to reach affected populations.
AFORD will continue its unwavering work in human rights, peace-building, and supporting the
democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people.
About AFORD:
The African Organization for Rights and Development (AFORD) is an independent, non-profit,
non-governmental organization registered in Uganda and Sudan. It is an individual
membership organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights, non-discrimination,
socio-economic development, and peaceful conflict resolution across Africa.
