[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 118 (Monday, July 15, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H5789-H5793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONDEMNING ATTACKS ON PEACEFUL PROTESTERS AND SUPPORTING TRANSITION TO
A CIVILIAN-LED DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT IN SUDAN
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 432) condemning the attacks on peaceful protesters
and supporting an immediate peaceful transition to a civilian-led
democratic government in Sudan, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 432
Whereas in 2016, the Government of the United States
launched a plan aimed at reducing conflict and expanding
humanitarian access in Sudan, improving counterterrorism
cooperation, ending Sudan's negative interference in South
Sudan, and addressing the threat of the Lord's Resistance
Army, that, according to the Department of State, led to
significant progress in these areas and resulted in the
lifting of some United States sanctions on Sudan in October
2017;
Whereas the Department of State announced ``Phase II'' of
the bilateral reengagement framework with Sudan in November
2018, under which the United States would consider rescinding
Sudan's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism if the
country met the relevant statutory criteria for delisting and
if the Government of Sudan made progress along six identified
areas of concern related to counterterrorism cooperation,
humanitarian access, respect for human rights, a cessation of
internal hostilities and a conducive environment for peace
processes, efforts to address outstanding terrorism-related
legal claims, and adherence to United Nations Security
Council resolutions on North Korea;
Whereas despite the Government of Sudan's pledge to cease
hostilities, the United Nations Panel of Experts on the Sudan
reported in January 2019 that forces of the Government of
Sudan had launched ``large-scale military operations''
against insurgents in the Jebel Marra region of Darfur in
2018 and that elements of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces and
associated militia were implicated in indiscriminate
shootings, rape, acts of torture, and other inhumane
treatment of civilians;
Whereas the Department of State's country reports on human
rights practices describe reports of serious human rights
violations by Sudan's intelligence service and military,
including the Rapid Support Forces, citing credible reports
that villages in Jebel Marra were targeted for attack in
2018, resulting in the displacement of thousands of civilians
and noting that Sudan's Rapid Support Forces were implicated
in the majority of reported human rights violations against
civilians in the country;
Whereas contrary to the requirements of Phase II,
humanitarian organizations report that humanitarian access
restrictions have persisted, including bureaucratic
interference, and reports of serious human rights abuses and
media censorship increased after Phase II was launched;
Whereas in December 2018, protests that began in Damazin
and Atbara spread across the country, with thousands of
Sudanese gathering to demand political change;
Whereas the Sudanese authorities responded to the protests
by detaining hundreds of people, including protesters,
members of the political opposition, civil society,
journalists, and more than a dozen American citizens, and by
using excessive and lethal force against protesters;
Whereas in late February 2019, President Bashir declared a
yearlong nationwide state of emergency, dissolving the
Federal and State governments and appointing senior military
officers to key government posts, banning unauthorized
gatherings, demonstrations, and strikes, expanding
authorization for searches, seizures, and arrests, and
barring news deemed to undermine his government;
Whereas tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of protesters
gathered in Khartoum on April 6, 2019, calling for the end of
the government of President Bashir, and on April 11, 2019, he
was ousted from power by the military and replaced by Defense
Minister and First Vice President Lt. Gen. Ahmed Awad Ibn
Auf, who later ceded power to Military Inspector General and
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan;
Whereas Lt. Gen. Burhan stated that his Transitional
Military Council is committed to transferring power to a
civilian government, but the Council has sought to maintain
the military's dominance in negotiations with opposition
representatives on a transitional arrangement;
Whereas protesters maintained their vigil in Khartoum,
calling for the military to transfer power to a civilian-led
transitional authority that would end Sudan's civil wars,
address the country's economic crisis, and lay the
foundations for democratic elections;
Whereas the Transitional Military Council has not met the
demands of the protesters and the African Union Peace and
Security Council to ``step aside and hand over power to a
civilian-led transitional authority, in accordance with the
will of the people and constitutional order'';
Whereas on June 3rd, elements of Sudanese security forces,
led by the Rapid Support Forces, violently dispersed the sit-
in of the protesters and killed over 100 people, with
hundreds more injured and reports of rape and other human
rights abuses committed;
Whereas negotiations between the Transitional Military
Council and the opposition coalition, known as the Forces for
Freedom and Change, on the composition and powers of a
transitional government are complicated by the role of
individuals in the Military Council who have been accused of
war crimes, by the Council's insistence on Islamic Sharia law
as the basis for laws, and by security forces use of live
fire against protesters in the cities of Nyala, Zalingei, and
Khartoum, resulting in multiple deaths, during the talks; and
Whereas in the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004,
Congress expressed its sense that individuals found to be
involved in the planning or carrying out of genocide, war
crimes, or crimes against humanity should not hold leadership
positions in the Government of Sudan: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan and
strongly supports the right of the Sudanese people to
assemble peacefully and express their legitimate demands for
fundamental political change, including a democratic,
civilian-led government;
(2) condemns the Government of Sudan's use of violence and
arbitrary detention against peaceful protesters and the
harassment and intimidation of medical professionals,
journalists, human rights defenders, political opposition,
and civil society actors;
[[Page H5790]]
(3) strongly supports an immediate transfer of power by the
military to an inclusive, civilian-led government that
reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people and puts
Sudan on the path toward democracy and peace;
(4) condemns efforts by regional actors to undermine
negotiations between the Military Council and the protesters,
including efforts to offer financial support to military
leaders;
(5) encourages the African Union and its member states to
continue supporting the Sudanese people's aspirations for
democracy, justice, and peace;
(6) urges the United States Government to continue efforts
to convene and work with the international community in
support of a civilian-led government in Sudan;
(7) emphasizes that a more positive and productive
relationship between the United States and Sudan requires
meaningful political reform, greater accountability, and a
clear demonstration by the Government of Sudan of greater
respect for human rights;
(8) calls upon Sudanese authorities to--
(A) immediately cease attacks on protesters and civilians,
respect the right to freedom of association and expression,
and investigate protester deaths and pursue accountability
for serious crimes and human rights abuses that have occurred
in the past three decades;
(B) protect the rights of political parties, journalists,
human rights defenders, religious minorities, and
nongovernmental organizations to operate without interference
and release political prisoners;
(C) lift the bureaucratic restrictions on, and facilitate
unhindered access across the country for, humanitarian relief
operations;
(D) introduce strong measures to create transparency and
address the structural corruption and kleptocracy of the
state;
(E) meaningfully engage with opposition forces in Darfur,
Southern Kordofan, and Blue Nile with the aim of achieving a
just and sustainable peace; and
(F) foster conditions for a viable transition to democracy,
economic stability, and sustainable peace and development;
and
(9) calls upon the people of Sudan to work together to
resolve conflicts peacefully.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Engel) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
General Leave
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have
5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on H. Res. 432.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, let me first thank Representatives Kildee, Bilirakis,
and McGovern, our Speaker pro tempore, for their hard work on this
measure. I was glad to join as an original cosponsor, as well.
Sudan is at a critical moment, Mr. Speaker. Three months ago, when
the Transitional Military Council, the TMC, seized power, one of my top
concerns was when the reins will be turned over to civilian
authorities. Despite the possibility of a breakthrough between the TMC
and the Forces of Freedom and Change, the FFC, I remain concerned that
Sudanese security forces intend to tighten their grip on power once
again and even more. The sad fact is, for the overwhelming majority of
its history since independence, Sudan has been ruled by military
dictatorships.
This group, the TMC, has shown the world who they really are, and it
is not a pretty picture. On June 3, they turned on the peaceful
prodemocracy movement, committing a brutal massacre at the movement's
sit-in site.
Following that atrocity, the TMC shut the internet down in a blatant
attempt to slow the momentum of antigovernment protestors and kill the
prodemocracy movement in its infancy.
Now that internet access has slowly been restored, the world is
getting its first glimpses of deeply disturbing images: Sudan's
citizens being murdered, tortured, or raped in Khartoum and across the
country last month.
These troubling developments start to make sense when we look at the
cast of characters involved. The deputy of the TMC, General Mohamed
Hamdan ``Hemeti,'' leads the Rapid Support Forces. We know them as the
Janjaweed, and we know that they have on their hands the blood of the
Darfur genocide. Now, they are turning their violent tactics against
the broader Sudanese population.
These are the same thugs responsible for the repression and economic
mismanagement that characterized Omar al-Bashir's three blood-soaked
decades in power. He is gone, but they continue to drive the country
into the ground.
Thankfully, the Sudanese people are resilient. They continue to fight
for their country's future, even in the face of violence and
repression. Their civil society and diaspora networks have helped to
shine a light on what the people in Sudan are enduring. They have had
enough, and the United States and partners around the world need to
have their backs.
This resolution underscores Congress' desire to see a civilian-led
transition in Sudan, a transition free from violence and bloodshed. It
is a good resolution. I am glad the House is considering it.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution condemning the
attacks on peaceful protestors and supporting an immediate peaceful
transition to a civilian-led democratic government in Sudan. I thank
Congressman Kildee, Congressman Bilirakis, and Chairman Engel for their
leadership on this issue.
For months, thousands of Sudanese peacefully took to the streets to
protest the brutal and oppressive dictatorship of Omar al-Bashir. In
April, he was removed from office.
I condemn the brutal attacks against peaceful protestors that took
place on June 3. Over 120 people were killed, and hundreds more were
wounded. The security forces responsible for carrying out and
orchestrating these heinous attacks must be held accountable.
While we are hopeful that the July 5 agreement on the composition of
a transitional government will be officially signed and set into
motion, there is still much more to be done to advance a true civilian-
led democracy. We cannot tolerate spoilers of this process,
particularly those who look to support the status quo and the military
regime in Khartoum.
I support the diplomatic efforts of Special Envoy Booth and commend
President Donald Trump's administration for convening high-level
working groups to align other countries in supporting a peaceful and
democratic future for Sudan. We must continue our engagement at the
highest levels to stand with the Sudanese people and their struggle for
freedom and democracy.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Kildee), the author of this bill.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Mr. Engel, the chairman,
for his leadership on this issue, and my friends Mr. Bilirakis, Mr.
McCaul, Mr. Wilson, and, obviously, Mr. McGovern, who have been working
on this with me, along with Congresswoman Bass.
Congress cannot sit idly by while one nation kills its own people,
blocks all communication to the outside world, and commits serious
human rights violations. The people of Sudan, like all people, deserve
the ability to determine their own future. They deserve a civilian-led
democratic society. They deserve to not have to live in constant fear
of violence.
It is for these reasons that we offer this resolution to affirm the
position of the United States Congress, despite views that we may
differ on, on other matters, and that we come together, Democrats and
Republicans, across the political spectrum to denounce the trampling of
human rights that is taking place in Sudan, to call on the Transitional
Military Council to immediately stop any violence against those
civilian protestors, and to begin the immediate transition to a
civilian-led government.
The Sudanese people have a right to be free. They have a right to a
democratic society. They have a right to not have to deal with the kind
of oppression that they have experienced.
This resolution also lays out some very clear areas where Sudan
simply has to improve if it wants to have a
[[Page H5791]]
productive relationship with the U.S. I believe that the U.S. should be
engaged with Sudan, but we have to insist that the Sudan that we engage
with and that the Sudan that we work with is a nation that is led by
its own people and not subjected to the horrific examples of
persecution that we have seen.
For three decades, the people of Sudan have suffered under terrible
repression. Now that we have this moment where the page is turned, the
worst thing would be to succeed one terrible period of oppression with
another. That is why it is somewhat hopeful to see that there are some
signs that some view as reason for optimism.
We have to make sure that this transition to a civilian-led
government is something that actually takes place and that we don't
allow Sudan to simply go back to the kind of military-led repression
that we saw under Bashir. That is completely unacceptable.
While the situation is fluid, we have an opportunity to state with a
very clear voice from the Congress of the United States, from the
American people, to the people of Sudan and to the people of the world
that the world is watching. We are paying attention to what takes
place. We have a stake in the freedom of the people of Sudan.
That is why we are speaking up with one voice today. I am honored to
join with my colleagues, as I said, across the aisle and across the
political spectrum to speak with one voice on this subject. Congress
has a chance to make a difference on this. The people of the United
States stand with the people of Sudan. We deserve better, and they
deserve better.
Mr. Speaker, I call on all of my colleagues to join us in this
resolution and call for freedom and justice for the people of Sudan.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the primary Republican
cosponsor of this measure.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Wilson for yielding. He is a
great friend, as well as the chairman. I thank Chairman Engel for
putting this on the floor. Of course, I thank my colead, Mr. Kildee.
Sudan is at a critical juncture between choosing freedom and
democracy or continuing with authoritarian oppression. This resolution
today is a powerful message for the United States that we stand behind
the civilian protestors and a civilian-led government.
Yesterday's violence and the horrific brutality on June 3 proved that
elements of the old regime are still alive and well, unfortunately. Bad
actors within the military, such as the Rapid Support Forces, should be
condemned for their actions and have no place in Sudan's future.
The United States and the international community need to maintain
pressure on the military council to cease all attacks on peaceful
protestors and civilians and to respect their right to assemble
peacefully. The Rapid Support Forces and other perpetrators of violence
also need to be held accountable for their violent acts. These bad
actors have no place in a peaceful and democratic Sudan.
Again, I am proud to be the colead on this timely resolution with Mr.
Kildee. I thank him for his leadership.
One story that I like to tell is when I was in Sudan, in March, I met
with a United States citizen who was a political prisoner there,
detained since January 4, away from his four children and his wife. He
went over to Sudan a few years ago to take care of his mother, his
elderly mother, and I respect that tremendously. He allowed his
brother, who also is a U.S. citizen, to come to the United States and
practice medicine.
Well, in any case, the gentleman was detained because he took his
body to a peaceful rally, a peaceful protest, a democratic rally for
democracy, and he was detained and put in jail. I met with him outside
of jail and he told me his story. We demanded his release, and within a
few days he was released, Mr. Speaker.
Anyway, this just tells you that we have a voice here, as United
States Members of Congress, and we need to use it for a good cause.
This is definitely a good cause.
{time} 1530
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass), chairwoman of the Africa,
Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations
Subcommittee.
Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly support H. Res. 432,
condemning the attacks on the Sudanese people peacefully protesting
their right to have a civilian-led democratic government in Sudan. The
legislation emphasizes a positive and productive relationship between
the United States and Sudan and demands significant political reforms
and more accountability.
The situation in Sudan escalated in December 2018 and has been
unstable ever since. The Transitional Military Council used Sudanese
security forces to shoot peaceful protesters, leaving bodies in the
Nile River. They shut down the internet for a month to try and
disparage citizens from a united front and blocked journalists from
doing their jobs, a clear violation of the freedom of the press.
The people of Sudan have the right to assemble and demand that the
Sudanese security forces negotiate without being killed or wounded. The
international community and its partners must continue to demand that
the security forces stop assaulting their own citizens and adhere to
the July 5 agreement.
The recent attempted coup was a ploy to try and deter the agreement,
and the Transitional Military Council nor the civilian-led faction must
deviate from this process. This agreement is too important, and the
future of Sudan is at stake.
The agreement would potentially end months of atrocities and gross
human rights abuses that have destabilized the country. The negotiated
deal would have five Military Council members, five civilian members,
and one civilian member chosen by both parties. The military member
would lead the council for the first 21 months and then transition into
a civilian-led council thereafter. This is a step in the right
direction because both the Transitional Military Council and civilian-
led groups negotiated the settlement.
I am also calling on the Sudanese Traditional Military Council to
immediately open up the internet because it was a clear violation of
the freedom of the press. Journalists must also be able to do their
jobs and report and write on stories without being intimidated or
physically harmed.
I support this resolution because it encourages the rights and
freedoms of all Sudanese people and their right to peacefully protest
and assemble and their right to a civilian-led government.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the chairman of the Rules Committee and
one of the most vocal Members on Sudan in Congress. He has done great
work for many years.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor, I rise in
support of H. Res. 432, and I want to commend my good friend and
colleague, Mr. Kildee, for his leadership on this issue. I also want to
commend the incredible work of Chairman Engel for all he has done on
this issue, as well as Chairwoman Bass and Mr. Bilirakis and others
here.
Mr. Speaker, I am here today to express my unwavering support for the
people of Sudan in their long-held desire to live in a democratic
nation, a nation where all the Sudanese people live in dignity and
where their rights and freedoms are respected and protected.
For three decades, the people of Sudan have suffered under the
brutal, genocidal regime of Omar al-Bashir. They were murdered,
mutilated, bombed, starved, imprisoned, tortured, and raped by Bashir's
army, air force, police, intelligence unit, and paramilitary allies,
formerly known as the Janjaweed and now organized as the Sudanese Rapid
Support Forces.
Villages were burned to the ground, churches destroyed, radio
stations and the press shut down, protests violently repressed, and
food and medicine denied to populations at risk.
Last December, the people of Sudan rose up in massive protests across
the
[[Page H5792]]
country and said: Enough. No more. The time for change is now.
On April 11, Bashir was removed from office by the Sudanese military.
But instead of turning the government over to the civilian-led council,
they took power for themselves.
On May 16, 92 Members of Congress sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter
to the administration expressing support for a civilian-led transition
in Sudan and concern about the military's escalating violence against
the peaceful protesters, which I include in the Record.
Congress of the United States,
Washington, DC, May 16, 2019.
Hon. Mike Pompeo,
Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State,
Washington, DC.
Steven Mnuchin,
Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Department of the Treasury,
Washington, DC.
Dear Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Mnuchin: We write to
express our deep concern about the current situation in Sudan
and our support for a rapid transfer of power to a civilian-
led transitional government committed to laying the
foundations for democracy in the country. This is a critical
moment for Sudan, one that came about because the Sudanese
people took to the streets to demand it. It is also critical
for the United States to support Sudanese citizen's demands
for real democratic change.
We welcome the April 18th statement by the State Department
supporting ``a transition to a peaceful and democratic Sudan
led by civilians who represent the diversity of Sudanese
society,'' and expressing support for the ``will of the
Sudanese people'' for ``a transitional government that is
inclusive and respectful of human rights and the rule of
law.'' We appreciate the efforts of the Africa Bureau to
update congressional offices about the changing situation in
Sudan. We also acknowledge the African Union's condemnation
of the military takeover as a coup d'etat and its demand that
the military ``step aside and hand over power to a
transitional civilian-led political authority, in accordance
with the will of the people'' by June 3rd. We also welcome
U.S. efforts to bring together like-minded nations and donors
to emphasize international support for a civilian-led
transition.
The military leadership who have taken power are attempting
to create the appearance of change, but elements and
structures of the old regime remain. The Transitional
Military Council (TMC) does not meet the aspirations so
clearly articulated by months of peaceful pro-democracy
protests that demanded an inclusive, civilian-led democratic
change. A government dominated by the military is not the
goal of the Sudanese people and the longer the protestors'
demands remain unfulfilled, there is increased probability of
conflict like the violence against protestors, deaths and
injuries that occurred this week.
We support your decision to continue Sudan's designation as
a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) and to suspend Phase II
discussions. Congress also has a role to play in law
regarding changes to Sudan's status as a state sponsor of
terrorism. We encourage close consultation with and the
consent of Congress should the Administration seek to alter
the SST designation or provide further economic relief to
Sudan, actions which at the current moment would be
inappropriate and premature. We understand that rapidly
changing events on the ground might require a corresponding
change in U.S. policy and we are ready to work as equal
partners in decisions that advance civilian democratic
governance, respect for human rights, including religious
freedom, and rule of law.
The United States must send a clear message that the path
to international credibility and American partnership will
only come through credible civilian leadership. We encourage
you to use all mechanisms and leverage to facilitate, as
quickly as possible, an inclusive civilian-led transition to
democratic governance. The United States should make clear to
foreign governments that have expressed support for the TMC
that a civilian transition that reflects the will of the
Sudanese people is nonnegotiable.
In this regard, we are dismayed by the announcement from
the Governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) that they intend to provide Sudan with $3 billion in
budget support and aid. We urge you to use all appropriate
diplomatic and political channels to discourage such a
transfer of funds. If funds are disbursed, this will likely
encourage the TMC to delay a civilian-led transition.
The Sudanese people will rightly determine matters of
justice regarding the crimes of the previous regime, given
the millions of people who suffered and perished under its
deliberate and repressive actions. It is important for you,
Mr. Secretaries, to emphasize that former President Bashir
and other officials and military officers of his regime are
internationally indicted for war crimes, crimes against
humanity and the crime of genocide. It is an urgent matter of
international law that they face trial and judgement on these
charges.
There are additional actions that we strongly encourage you
to take in your respective capacities as Secretary of State
and Secretary of the Treasury:
When a civilian-led transitional council is established--
one supported by the pro-democracy movement and the Sudanese
people--it is vital that the United States press for
unimpeded access by international humanitarian aid agencies
so that they may finally deliver, without interference or
conditions, emergency relief to populations in conflict areas
such as South Kordofan, Blue Nile and northern Darfur. We
understand this is also a current priority for the U.S. and
other aid donors, but unobstructed delivery of humanitarian
aid to these regions is likely to remain stalled until
inclusive civilian rule is established.
To support and increase the capacity of civilian leadership
and civil society, the United States should provide
transitional civilian authorities and entities with technical
and capacity-building assistance.
The United States, in consultation with Congress, should
signal its willingness to engage with and support
international financial institutions in aiding Sudan once
civilian-led transitional authorities are in place and
functioning.
The State Department should not issue visas to any Sudanese
official to travel to the United States until credible
civilian-led government is in place and functioning
independently. Nor should any Sudanese or TMC official be
issued a visa who has been internationally indicted, or who
might be subject to justice in Sudan for war crimes, crimes
against humanity or genocide.
Treasury, in consultation with the State Department and
relevant congressional committees, should continue to use the
sanctions authorities provided under the Global Magnitsky
program to target key Sudanese individuals, officials,
entities and networks.
Recognizing Sudan's extensive corruption, money-laundering
operations and theft of state resources, it is critical for
the United State to provide leadership on preventing funds
from being moved out of the country during this period when
the former Bashir regime is being pushed aside but current
regime structures remain in place. The Treasury Department
should issue public advisories to banks and other financial
institutions regarding the risk of such capital flight and
other high-risk transactions from Sudan, such as the gold
trade. This would be an action like the one taken by Treasury
in 2014 related to Ukraine. It is also critical that the
Treasury Department continue to track and respond
aggressively to similar transfers of funds that occurred
prior to Bashir's downfall.
Thank you for your attention to these urgent concerns and
recommendations. We look forward to working together and
developing a new policy framework consistent with American
values and the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
Sincerely,
James P. McGovern; Ann Wagner; Karen Bass; Jeffrey A.
Merkley; Todd Young; Christopher H. Smith; Chris Van
Hollen; Tina Smith; Gary C. Peters; Roger F. Wicker;
Richard J. Durbin; Richard Blumenthal; Elizabeth
Warren.
Eliot L. Engel; Barbara Lee; Adam B. Schiff; Nita M.
Lowey; Frank Pallone, Jr.; Maxine Waters; Zoe Lofgren;
Raul M. Grijalva; Michael T. McCaul; Gus M. Bilirakis;
Barry Loudermilk; Steve Watkins, Mark Meadows; Elijah
E. Cummings; John A. Yarmuth; John Lewis.
Naydia M. Velazquez; David Trone; Chellie Pingree; Gwen
S. Moore; Gregory W. Meeks; Yvette D. Clarke; Jan
Schakowsky; Donald M. Payne, Jr.; Peter A. DeFazio;
Eleanor Holmes Norton; Sheila Jackson Lee; Grace Meng;
Jared Huffman; Bonnie Watson Coleman; Federica S.
Wilson; Joaquin Castro.
Earl Blumenauer; Mike Doyle; Pramila Jayapal; Jim Costa;
David N. Cicilline; Suzanne Bonamici; Steve Cohen;
Ilhan Omar; Jamie Raskin; Bobby L. Rush; Mark Pocan;
Daniel T. Kildee; Andy Levin; Seth Moulton; Chrissy
Houlahan; Jennifer Wexton.
Jose E. Serrano; Donald S. Beyer, Jr.; Alan S. Lowenthal;
Darren Soto; Val Butler Demings; Henry C. ``Hank''
Johnson, Jr.; Stephen F. Lynch; Ruben Gallego; Anna G.
Eshoo; Emanuel Cleaver, II; Peter Welch; Albio Sires;
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.; Andre Carson; Lori Trahan; Mark
DeSaulnier.
Paul D. Tonko; Danny K. Davis; Ron Kind; Ro Khanna; Rosa
L. DeLauro; Ann McLane Kuster; William R. Keating;
Adriano Espaillat; Katherine M. Clark; Brian Higgins;
Richard E. Neal; Joseph P. Kennedy, III; Eddie Bernice
Johnson; Ayanna Pressley; Norma J. Torres.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, we had good reason to be concerned. Just 2
weeks later, in a clear demonstration of how little has changed, the
Sudanese police and RSF, under the leadership of the Transitional
Military Council's second in command, General Hemeti violently attacked
the unarmed protesters, killing, wounding, and raping hundreds.
In an act of great cowardice and complicity, the Sudanese military
chose to withdraw from the scene or stood by and watched the attack,
doing nothing to protect the people. The Transitional Military Council
then shut down the internet so information about the massacre couldn't
come out. Last week,
[[Page H5793]]
they were forced to restore the internet, and the world has now seen
hundreds of videos documenting this heinous crime.
On Saturday, thousands demonstrated to mark the 40 days since the
deadly crackdown. Right now, African mediators are attempting to broker
the details of a power-sharing agreement between the forces of freedom
and change people's alliance in the Transitional Military Council.
I hope that they are successful in reaching a deal that guarantees a
genuine civilian-led transition and democratic governance, but I don't
want to see the civilian-led democratic reform movement undermined and
forced to accept a bad deal, one where power and the corrupt and brutal
structures of the former regime remain under military control.
Mr. Speaker, like so many of my colleagues, I have been engaged on
the issue of Sudan for nearly 15 years. On April 28, 2006, I led
Members of Congress, religious, and NGO leaders in an act of civil
disobedience at the Sudanese Embassy to highlight the atrocities taking
place in Darfur. It was my first of three such direct actions.
On May 1 of that year, I joined over 50 of those people on The
National Mall to protest the genocide in Darfur. I took my young son
and daughter to see how people from all walks of life came together in
solidarity with the people of Sudan and demanded action.
Mr. Speaker, my children are now grown and in college, so I am not
exaggerating when I say that what we are seeing happening today in
Sudan is a once-in-a-generation moment for the people of Sudan. We
cannot be silent.
Along with all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I want
the people of Sudan to know that we stand with them, that we have
always stood with them, and I urge my colleagues to support this
resolution.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 1\1/2\ minutes
to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal), the co-chair of the
Progressive Caucus.
Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 432, a
very important resolution that condemns the attacks on peaceful
protesters and supports an immediate, peaceful transition to a
civilian-led democratic government in Sudan.
I am so incredibly inspired by the people of Sudan who organized
peacefully and adhered consistently to a nonviolent strategy of protest
in order to achieve a democratic future for their country.
I especially want to call attention to the Sudanese women, who played
an outsized role in holding strong in the face of violence, danger, and
even death. In the words of Andrew Gilmour, the Assistant Secretary-
General for human rights at OHCHR:
What the world has seen in the past month and still now will go down
in history as the greatest mass nonviolent movement of our generation.
Because of this nonviolent people's movement that refused to accept
no for an answer, even in the face of brutal and barbaric violence from
government-linked militias, the people of Sudan have achieved a real
opportunity for peace. Just last week, civilian leaders and the
Transitional Military Council reached an agreement where they will
share power to pursue a democratic future.
In order for that peaceful transition to work, there must also be
justice for those who were killed in the June 3 massacre through an
independent investigation with real consequences for the perpetrators,
along with true civilian oversight of the security forces.
I am heartbroken for every life that was lost, but I am also deeply
hopeful because we have seen the shining light of courage, resilience,
and commitment to nonviolent resistance movements and to the
possibilities they bring for lasting peace. The United States must
stand with the people of Sudan and do everything in our power to help
achieve that peace and stability.
And, finally, Mr. Speaker, I just want to recognize a very important
person in my home State of Washington, Mubarak Elamin, who has been
with me on this issue of Sudan, his birth country, in making sure that
we have all the information we need.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank my colleagues for offering
this timely resolution to condemn the brutal attacks on peaceful
protesters and stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan.
The United States must continue our efforts to support a civilian-led
democratic government in Sudan and take action against those who wish
to undermine the will of the Sudanese people.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for
the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank Mr. Kildee, Mr. Bilirakis, and, of
course the Speaker pro tempore, Mr. McGovern.
What happens in Sudan in the coming weeks and months is a high
priority for the United States. It is in our national security interest
to support a peaceful, civilian-led political transition in Sudan and
is consistent with our values to support the democratic aspirations of
a people who have suffered under a brutal, violent rule for so long.
I urge all Members to join me in supporting this important
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res.
432, a resolution ``Condemning the attacks on peaceful protesters and
supporting an immediate peaceful transition to a civilian-led
democratic government in Sudan.''
H. Res. 432 is a bipartisan resolution calling on the Sudanese
government to transition power to a civilian led government, to respect
democratic principles, and to end all violence against its citizens.
Since the ousting of President Al-Bashir on April 11, 2019 the
Transitional Military Council (TMC) has seized power halting the
proposed transition to a representative democracy.
On June 3, 2019 multiple peaceful protesters were killed in Sudan as
the Sudanese government continues to perpetuate violence against its
own people.
Protests in Sudan continue, however, as the Sudanese people call for
a transition from a military ruling council to true democratic
governance.
It is critical for the United States Congress to stand with the women
and men advocating and speaking up for the Sudanese people.
I applaud the efforts and sacrifices pro-democracy activists have
made and they ought to know that the United States fully supports their
desire for freedom and peace, and strongly condemns the violent and
oppressive tactics of the Transitional Military Council.
When enacted, H. Res. 432 will lay out areas where the Sudanese
government must improve if it wants to continue a productive engagement
with the United States, including political reform and a respect for
human rights.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res.
432 to confront these atrocities we have seen in Sudan which pose a
strong threat the democratic values we work to protect.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. McGovern). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 432, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
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