For the past two weeks, chaos has erupted throughout Sudan following a violent breach in peaceful protests in response to the country’s political transition. While many mainstream U.S. news outlets have devoted minimal coverage to the unrest in the East African nation, thousands on social media are changing their profile pictures to blue and using #BlueForSudan to show solidarity with protesters.
According to Al-Jazeera, Mohamed Hashim Mattar, 26, was reportedly shot and killed as he attempted to protect two women when a peaceful political protest on the last day of Ramadan turned deadly.
During a sit-in on June 3 in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, shots were fired by the nation’s army, police, and paramilitary group and Rapid Support Forces (RSP). 10 people were injured and two were killed, Al-Jazeera reports. Witnesses in the area said gunfire continued for nearly four hours, ultimately resulting in the deaths of more than 35 people.
The blue wave started in honour of Mohamed Mattar – a victim of Sudan's brutal military crackdown whose favourite colour was blue https://t.co/m29nKloKde
#BlueforSudan
pic.twitter.com/dtXqaCqKb4— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 13, 2019
In the days that followed, RSP has taken control of Khartoum, leaving thousands to flee from their homes to avoid violent encounters with the paramilitary groups. Throughout the unrest, many were killed, brutally beaten and sexually abused, including children. The Telegraph reports that while the exact number of casualties is unknown, the Sudanese Doctors’ Committee released the names of 112 names who are confirmed dead.
Blue was Mattar’s favorite color, his cousin said in a tweet.
Those who are taking part in spreading #BlueForSudan. The color blue came from a warm hearted, martyrs known as, Mohammed Hashim Mattar, my cousin who has passed away on the 3rd of June, as he was standing proud. Blue was his fav color, which now presents unity.????????
Mattar’s Blue pic.twitter.com/MdZ7f2sLwS
— OmerYousiff (@OmerYousifff) June 12, 2019
Though Sudanese military cracked down on protestors by disabling access to the internet last week, images and videos during the uprising have already gone viral. Social media influencers and celebrities like Rihanna, have helped to draw attention to crisis occurring in the African country.
Aza Elnimah, a young Sudanese professional based in Qatar, told Al-Jazeera, “Sudan is literally in the dark right now. The only way we can reach our families now is through telephone, but that still isn’t enough.”
However, she said that because of #BlueForSudan, she has faith that more attention will come.
“In the beginning, it felt like no one cared, but now, it’s refreshing to know that Sudan is on people’s radars. ”
