September 20 - 2019 TALODI / KADEER / KALOGI

The sit-in of Talodi and Kalogi residents in South Kordofan entered its 17th day yesterday. The protestors demand that the gold exploration companies stop working, as instructed by the South Kordofan governor last week. The use of cyanide by the mining companies has been proven harmful to humans, animals and the environment.

The protesters have said that they will not disband their sit-in until the gold exploration companies are dismantled and removed from the areas of Talodi, Kalogi, Abu Jubeiha, and Terter once and for all.

Governor

Talodi, Kadeer and Kalogi witnessed mass demonstrations on Wednesday, demanding the dismissal of the acting state governor because of his incapability and his identification with the remnants and leaders of the former regime. According to the demonstrators this has resulted in not protecting the people against the toxic materials that the mining companies use when extracting gold from ore.

On September 11, the acting governor ordered that all gold mining companies must stop working and that all their machineries and buildings will be seized until further notice. So far, this has not been implemented.

Human rights organisation Hodo

The Sudanese human rights organisation HUDO warned of a possible confrontation between the residents of Talodi and El Keilak and the Rapid Support Forces government militia (RSF), after Al Junaid Company, partially owned by the commander of the RSF, refused to implement the governor's decision to stop working. RSF militiamen block anyone who attempts to approach the company’s headquarters.

In a statement, HUDO called on the government of Sudan to hold RSF commander Lt Gen Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemeti’, who is also a member of the Sovereign Council, accountable. HUDO also seeks government support in holding soldiers and militiaman who terrorised the residents accountable, and to ensure the safety, security and the freedom of expression of the protesters in Talodi and El Keilak.

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