Sheffield Trades Union Council show solidarity with protesters in Sudan
A statement of solidarity from a network of activists and trade unionists spells out exactly why protesters need all our support.
Sheffield Trades Union Council have signed an open letter declaring solidarity with protestors in Sudan. Several people have died in Sudan as huge crowds have come together to rally against the country’s military leadership.
The military came into power 8 months ago, and unrest has been growing for some time. The open letter came in the form of a statement of solidarity from the MENA Solidarity Network who support workers across the Middle East. Part of the statement read:
The Sudan Doctor’s Committee has said that 11 doctors have been wounded as security forces try to disperse protestors. MENA’s statement, naturally, focused on workers in Sudan, saying:
Doctors and teachers, amongst what is likely to include many other workers, have been treated horrifically. It is all the more important, then, that the Sheffield Trades Union Council have joined the calls to protect the rights of workers to protest.
Sudan in Sheffield
As a City of Sanctuary, Sheffield has taken in refugees from Sudan over the years. Both local universities in Sheffield have Sudanese societies, and Sheffield has a growing Sudanese community.
In 2019, Now Then reported on a protest in Sheffield held in solidarity with Sudanese protests:
MENA’s statement makes it clear that the West cannot continue propping up oppressive regimes:
Sudanese communities in Sheffield deserve all of our attention and support. The Sheffield Trades Union Council’s support reflects the solidarity we should all be showing. Global conflicts all have their place locally. Just as protest is under threat in the UK, we must also look out for the repression of protests overseas.