Maribyrnong council has passed a motion expressing solidarity with the local Sudanese community due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in their home country.
The United Nations estimates that as many as 13 million people have been displaced since war broke out in Sudan in April 2023.
The motion was moved at the council meeting on 18 November by Cr Mohamed Semra, himself a Sudanese refugee, who noted that the city of El Fasher, the capital of the North Darfur region, had recently become the epicentre of the violence.
“Once a refuge for displaced civilians, it has been under siege for months, cut off from food, water, and medical supplies,” Cr Semra told the chamber.
“The UN and humanitarian observers have described the situation as a “nightmare of unimaginable suffering”, warning that the violence may amount to crimes against humanity or genocide.”
Cr Semra noted that Maribyrnong was home to a large Sudanese Australian community, many of whom had direct family ties to the Darfur region where much of the violence was taking place.
He said the ongoing conflict was causing them immense distress and grief.
Cr Susan Yengi spoke in support, noting that for many in Maribyrnong was not distant or abstract, but personal.
“Local government may not have the power to shape international events but we do have the power to show up for one another,” Cr Yengi said.
“To our Sudanese community in Maribyrnong, we see you and we stand with you.”
The motion was passed unanimously.
