Sudanese Activists In The US Stand Strong- Local Activists Gain Strength Despite Intimidation By Known Al-bashir Spy!!
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Mohamed Yahya
Mar 17, 2011, 2:18:07 AM3/17/11
to Damanga Community, in...@damanga.org
Sudanese activists in the US stand strong: Local activists gain
strength despite intimidation by known Al-bashir spy
Where: Columbia Pike, Virginia, United States
On the evening of Saturday, March 5, I watched over seventy Sudanese
activists living in Virginia strengthen their resolve to end the
profound suffering in their homeland. They stood together and shouted
in one voice, “Spy of Al-bashir: GET OUT! You are Sudan’s security
agent: GET OUT! Shame on you and your government: GET OUT!” The man at
whom they lobbed their verbal missiles was believed to be Sudanese
President Omar Al-bashir’s spy, sent to the US to gather intelligence
on overseas opposition to Al-bashir's power. Perhaps I should have
been discouraged by his presence. Instead, I was inspired by the
resolve of this crowd to show courage against the oppression they
felt. This man – panicked in the face of such intense hostility – was
run out of the Government Department Center auditorium with dozens of
attendees shouting after him, “Killer! Rapist! Genocide perpetrator!
Go away! We don’t want you here!”
When they were satisfied the event had been cleared of nefarious
influences, the audience continued their passionate discussion of how
to end Al-bashir’s systematic campaign of rape, killing, harassment
and intimidation being perpetrated on the long-suffering women of
Sudan. Before the discovery of the spy in their midst, attendees had
been discussing the recent and tragic case of Ms. Safia Ishag, gang-
raped by Sudanese security agents in Khartoum, Sudan’s capitol.
Unfortunately, Ms. Ishag’s story is not uncommon, since Al-bashir’s
efforts to repress all opposition with extreme measures have taken a
gruesome turn in recent years. It now seems this cruel dictator’s
reach extends to American soil.
It was discovered soon after the March 5 event that this spy, thought
to be called Mohammad Suleiman, had been serving as a Sudanese Army
intelligence officer before being promoted to serve in Sudan’s embassy
in Washington, DC. In exchange for his loyalty to the government of
Sudan, Al-bashir had apparently ordered him to track Darfuri and other
Sudanese activists in America. Since arriving here, it is reported
that Suleiman has regularly shown up at Darfur-related events in DC
and elsewhere, including rallies, U.S. congressional hearings and
other public meetings. In fact, it was reported – and apparently
recorded on video – that ‘Suleiman the Spy’ had threatened and
insulted Sudanese immigrants at a 2010 gathering, saying “I will buy
any one of you if I want for my government in Sudan. I will pay any
price and I don't care.” His comments suggested he felt free to use Al-
bashir-style extreme tactics even while he enjoys the freedoms of
living in the U.S as an invited guest.
His history of intimidating and threatening activists on American soil
should not be the only reason Suleiman’s mere presence on U.S.
territory should be protested. He is also suspected of participating
in the heinous attacks at Kalma Camp in 2008, where dozens of Darfuri
refugees were killed. Can the Sudanese and Darfuri refugees and
immigrants living in the United States not expect safety from tyranny
even here?
On behalf of those working to end the genocidal regime of Al-bashir’s
Sudan, I urge the Obama administration, FBI, CIA and Homeland Security
to prevent the free movement of representatives of the Al-bashir
regime around this great country when those visitors threaten to
prevent us from exercising our constitutional rights. These corrupt
individuals endanger the lives of all Americans with their threats,
and create a mindset of intense fear for innocent citizens and
residents committed only to ending the deteriorating situation facing
the oppressed Sudanese people.
On behalf of the victims of Darfuri genocide in Sudan and elsewhere
around the world, I urge all American citizens to make heard their
protest of this clear insult to our hospitality. I urge Americans to
stay aware of the increasing devastation Darfuris face in Sudan and
abroad, and to join the brave US-based activists in the fight for
Darfuri justice and freedom.
Thank you, as always, for your support.
Mohamed A.Yahya
Founder/ Executive Director
Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy (www.damanga.org)
Office Tel/Fax: +1 (703) 310-4424, Direct Tel: +1 (434) 409-9638
mohame...@damanga.org
strength despite intimidation by known Al-bashir spy
Where: Columbia Pike, Virginia, United States
On the evening of Saturday, March 5, I watched over seventy Sudanese
activists living in Virginia strengthen their resolve to end the
profound suffering in their homeland. They stood together and shouted
in one voice, “Spy of Al-bashir: GET OUT! You are Sudan’s security
agent: GET OUT! Shame on you and your government: GET OUT!” The man at
whom they lobbed their verbal missiles was believed to be Sudanese
President Omar Al-bashir’s spy, sent to the US to gather intelligence
on overseas opposition to Al-bashir's power. Perhaps I should have
been discouraged by his presence. Instead, I was inspired by the
resolve of this crowd to show courage against the oppression they
felt. This man – panicked in the face of such intense hostility – was
run out of the Government Department Center auditorium with dozens of
attendees shouting after him, “Killer! Rapist! Genocide perpetrator!
Go away! We don’t want you here!”
When they were satisfied the event had been cleared of nefarious
influences, the audience continued their passionate discussion of how
to end Al-bashir’s systematic campaign of rape, killing, harassment
and intimidation being perpetrated on the long-suffering women of
Sudan. Before the discovery of the spy in their midst, attendees had
been discussing the recent and tragic case of Ms. Safia Ishag, gang-
raped by Sudanese security agents in Khartoum, Sudan’s capitol.
Unfortunately, Ms. Ishag’s story is not uncommon, since Al-bashir’s
efforts to repress all opposition with extreme measures have taken a
gruesome turn in recent years. It now seems this cruel dictator’s
reach extends to American soil.
It was discovered soon after the March 5 event that this spy, thought
to be called Mohammad Suleiman, had been serving as a Sudanese Army
intelligence officer before being promoted to serve in Sudan’s embassy
in Washington, DC. In exchange for his loyalty to the government of
Sudan, Al-bashir had apparently ordered him to track Darfuri and other
Sudanese activists in America. Since arriving here, it is reported
that Suleiman has regularly shown up at Darfur-related events in DC
and elsewhere, including rallies, U.S. congressional hearings and
other public meetings. In fact, it was reported – and apparently
recorded on video – that ‘Suleiman the Spy’ had threatened and
insulted Sudanese immigrants at a 2010 gathering, saying “I will buy
any one of you if I want for my government in Sudan. I will pay any
price and I don't care.” His comments suggested he felt free to use Al-
bashir-style extreme tactics even while he enjoys the freedoms of
living in the U.S as an invited guest.
His history of intimidating and threatening activists on American soil
should not be the only reason Suleiman’s mere presence on U.S.
territory should be protested. He is also suspected of participating
in the heinous attacks at Kalma Camp in 2008, where dozens of Darfuri
refugees were killed. Can the Sudanese and Darfuri refugees and
immigrants living in the United States not expect safety from tyranny
even here?
On behalf of those working to end the genocidal regime of Al-bashir’s
Sudan, I urge the Obama administration, FBI, CIA and Homeland Security
to prevent the free movement of representatives of the Al-bashir
regime around this great country when those visitors threaten to
prevent us from exercising our constitutional rights. These corrupt
individuals endanger the lives of all Americans with their threats,
and create a mindset of intense fear for innocent citizens and
residents committed only to ending the deteriorating situation facing
the oppressed Sudanese people.
On behalf of the victims of Darfuri genocide in Sudan and elsewhere
around the world, I urge all American citizens to make heard their
protest of this clear insult to our hospitality. I urge Americans to
stay aware of the increasing devastation Darfuris face in Sudan and
abroad, and to join the brave US-based activists in the fight for
Darfuri justice and freedom.
Thank you, as always, for your support.
Mohamed A.Yahya
Founder/ Executive Director
Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy (www.damanga.org)
Office Tel/Fax: +1 (703) 310-4424, Direct Tel: +1 (434) 409-9638
mohame...@damanga.org
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