The African Organisation for Rights and Development (AFORD)
Kampala, Uganda October 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
It is with profound sorrow and alarm that we monitor the horrific escalation of violence and violations against innocent civilians in El Fasher and throughout Sudan. The ongoing events are a stain on the conscience of humanity and have brought the nation’s future to the brink of collapse. We unequivocally reject the continuation of these cycles of violence and retribution. We call upon, urge, and demand all stakeholders:
To embrace the voice of reason and unity. We must stop counting the massacres and disputing their causes. We must stop normalizing the bloodshed that does not discriminate. We must overcome the divisions that have left us either grieving or enraged, while others stumble in the illusion of victory and celebration.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms every drop of blood spilled, every violation committed, and any celebration built upon the bodies of our nation’s sons and daughters. Our country has lost more than its people; we have lost our common humanity by permitting the celebration of death and allowing vengeance to supersede reason and compassion.
Any victory built on the blood of one’s own compatriots is, in truth, a resounding defeat for all. It is a surrender to the very spirit that led us to displacement and destruction.
We call upon all who have lost and now carry anger: we recognize your pain and the difficulty of forgiveness. But we urge you to transform this destructive anger and heed the voice of reason. To those who are divided or who gloat: your fleeting celebration is the fuel that sustains this war. The hand that wipes the tear of the bereaved is more vital and powerful than the hand that wields the weapon. Our unity is our dignity; vengeance is our weakness.
We appeal to the Native Administrations—the Nazirs, Kings, and Sultans: You are the guardians of custom (A’urf) and the memory of the nation. Your role today is more critical and sensitive than it has been in decades. You are the safety valve. Let your voice of reason and wisdom rise above the sound of guns.
We urge you to activate traditional reconciliation mechanisms (Musalahat and Joudiyat) to salvage what remains of our societal fabric.
We call upon the international and regional community, as well as Sudanese civil society, to support all efforts aimed at peacebuilding and reconciliation.
We will not wait for leaders to stop this war. We must decide—today—to stop it within our own hearts and minds.
In this spirit, the African Organisation for Rights andDdevelopment (AFORD) hereby launches the “Kifaya! The Blood is Sudanese” campaign, signifying our absolute rejection of this war’s continuation.
Sincerely,
Mohammed Salihe Media and Communications Director The African Organisation for Rights and Development (AFORD) mohamed@aford.org