HUDO Centre Date: 17thSeptember 2019 No. H.K/PR/24/019 UPDATE ON POTENTIAL CONFRONTATION BETWEEN TALODI RESIDENTS ON A SIT-IN DEMONSRATION AND RSF SOLDIERS IN SUDAN Almost two weeks now since Talodi residents carried out a sit in demonstration at Talodi locality protesting against the use of cyanide at the gold mines. They are demanding for the stoppage of the activities at the gold mines as ordered by the current state governor. However, the Rapid Support Force (RSF) is resisting. Following the demonstration against the gold mines in South Kordufan state, the state governor (in charge) issued an order dated 11th September 2019 ordering the localities’ security committees to stop all activities by the gold mining companies, to hold all their equipment and keep premises guarded until further notice. That the legal and administrative procedures shall be taken against those that may not comply with the order. In Talodi, a company named Elgenaid Company which is owned and guarded by the RSF opposed the order and could not allow anyone to come closer to their premises. On 15th September 2019, a group of community leaders in Talodi initiated a mediation process but RSF commandant could not allow them to enter or discuss the issue. On 16th September 2019, the locality governor in charge (head of Talodi locality security committee) travelled out of the locality for unknown reasons regardless of the prevailing tense situation. Currently, there is no legal procedure that has been taken against Elgenaid Company. A reliable source informed HUDO that, the former governor of Talodi locality had earlier issued work permits to those companies though he had a bad experience with Talodi youth, he is the one controls the RSF in Talodi and gives orders remotely. This former governor is Mahadi Elamein Kaba who was a brigadier in Sudan Armed Force (SAF) and a commandant of People Defense Force (PDF) in Eastern region of South Kordufan. After the revolution he has been transferred to RSF and promoted to Major-general. HUDO calls upon;      Sudan government to seriously consider the community’s concerns and demands Sudan government to hold to account RSF commanders and soldiers who intimidated the public. Sudan government should ensure the protesters safety and their rights to opinion expression South Kordufan state government should observe their orders’ implementation. The civil society organizations, media and lawyers in Sudan to give the case the needed support and coverage. End To read the UA about this case, please visit: https://wp.me/p6WXCc-It For further information please write to hudo2009@gmail.com 1