Canabi Congress: Systematic violations and forced displacement in Al Jazeera under the guise of Collaboration

The Central Committee of the Canabi Congress revealed information regarding a new wave of violations targeting the Canabi residents in Al-Jazeera state. The Central Committee accused armed groups of involvement in organized looting, plundering, and intimidation operations, aimed at enforcing the displacement of residents and the evacuation of these areas under the guise of so-called “collaboration.”

In a statement, the Central Committee went on to explain that Kambo Al-Qouz, Kambo Zaghawa, and Village 14 in the rural area of Al-Maseed had witnessed “heinous” attacks in recent days, including the looting of property and the terrorizing of civilians using methods described in the statement as “terrorist and barbaric,” causing a state of public panic.

According to the Canabi Congress’ Central Committee these incidents represent a new phase of forced displacement, both directly and by forcing residents to leave due to the lack of security and services.

Furthermore, the Central Committee indicated that the attacks were carried out by what it described as “militias” known as the (Sudan Shield Forces), led by an individual called “Keikal,” alongside other armed groups, amidst a state of complete lack of accountability or intervention from official authorities.

The Committee also documented cases of arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment of a number of residents without clear charges or due process, considering the aforementioned a flagrant violation of justice and human rights, as well as a dangerous escalation in the targeting of the Canabi communities/residents.

In its statement, the Committee affirmed its complete rejection of what it described as “organized crimes and violations,” holding both civilian and military authorities legally and morally responsible for protecting civilians and their property. It called on human rights organizations as well as local and international media to urgently intervene to monitor the violations and shed light on what it described as “crimes that amount to the level of crimes against humanity.”

It emphasized the adherence of the Canabiresidents to their rights to land, housing, services, and dignity, and its rejection of any attempts to alter the demographic composition or obliterate the cultural and historical identity of these communities, affirming that it is putting forth diligent efforts to document all violations and prepare reports to be submitted to relevant authorities and human rights organizations, both locally and internationally, to ensure that there is no impunity.

The Canabi Congress’ Central Committee called on the sons and daughters of the Canabicommunities to document all violations, no matter how minor, with audio, video, and testimony. It emphasized that exposing crimes is the first step towards achieving justice, and that nation-building isn’t achieved through fear, but rather through courage, awareness, and organization.