Calls for cancellation of Sudan economic forum in Germany

International human rights organizations and a Sudanese activist are calling on the German government to cancel a Sudan economic forum to be held in the country’s capital, Berlin, on Tuesday. Agencies from the USA, Canada, Norway and Germany and the activist Hawa Mohamed Saleh are claiming the event supports the execution of even more crimes against humanity in Sudan. Saleh, known as Hawa Jungle, received last year the International Women of Courage Awards from the US First Lady Michelle Obama and the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The activist condemned the organization of the forum suggesting it support the Khartoum regime, which on its turn “has committed genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur and similarly in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile”. She is urging human rights organizations, UN agencies and the European Union to pressure the German government and put an end to the forum. Saleh said Khartoum must be isolated and that Germany should not hold a Sudan conference in its territory. She noted the human rights record of that country should prevent it from belonging to the international community and from having international support. Ali Karti, Sudanese Foreign Minister is heading the Sudanese delegation during the forum. Representatives of South Sudan will also attend the conference in order to attract investment for their country. The Sudan economic forum was originally going to be held last year in Berlin. However, it was postponed as protesters set the German Embassy in Khartoum on fire as a reaction to the movie “Innocence of Muslims”.Photo: Hawa Mohamed Saleh (US Department of State)Related: Three people killed in Khartoum (14 September 2013)