 | ||
Abd Almoniem Rahama (Arabic: عبدالمنعم رحمه) born in Hasahisa (a city between Khartoum and Wad Madani), is a Sudanese author, poet and human rights activist Sooner he became a known figure participating culture events in both Khartoum and Madani in the 1980s.
Contents
- Forced exile
- Return to Sudan
- Arrest and death sentence
- Petition to stop Rahama execution
- Personal life
- Works
- References
Rahama formerly headed Sudana, an organization that promoted the work of marginalized art and literature groups in Sudan. He was a member of the Sudanese Writers’ Union during the 1980s and headed the Arabic section of the Sudan Radio Service network in Nairobi between 2003 and 2005.
Rahama also co-founded the daily Ajras al-Hurriya (“Bells of Freedom”), and served as its administrative director. An Opposition newspaper which was closed by government a day before South Independence.
Hussein Saad, who worked as an editor at the newspaper, has known Rahma since 2008 “He was very dedicated,” he said. “We worked very hard for months until the first issue was published.” Remembering last time Hussein saw him when Saad went to cover a news conference organized by former governor Malik Agar, along with other politicians. “Rahama invited everyone to break the fast at his house,” Saad recalls. “He helped us during the trip more than anyone else.”
Forced exile
Known for his opposition towards dictatorships regimes, Rahama was very involved in the 1985 April Revolution against Namiri. He was forced to go into exile after 1989 Bashir coup, spending several years in Kenya and Ethiopia where he met his wife.
Return to Sudan
Rahama returned to Sudan after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in 2005. He was also instrumental in the development of a traveling theatre to promote peaceful dialogue among Sudan’s diverse cultures.
On 2009 He took a role as culture advisor to Blue Nile Government and created many culture Festivals in Damazen, playing a role on creating Malek Agar Culture Centre.
Arrest and death sentence
Abdelmoniem Rahma was arrested by Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) on 2 September in Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State, one day after the resumption of fighting between the Sudanese national army and forces loyal to the northern sector of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-N).
Hurriyat, an online Sudanese human rights publication, reports that a former detainee imprisoned with Rahama stated that the writer was subjected to constant beatings and forbidden from using the toilet.
Saad, who spoke with Rahama by phone a few days before his arrest, said he believes his colleague’s political activities, especially his affiliation with the SPLM-N, made him a target when tensions rose between that party and the Sudanese government in Blue Nile State.
On 24/11/11 Rahama and 18 other SPLM-N members where summed to a court where they all were given death penalty without given the right to defend themselves. This type of court with a bad reputation has often been tactically used by NCP (National Congress Party) ruler of Sudan to get opposition figures sentenced to death quickly and was used heavily at 1989, 1990 against Majdi Mahjob, Boturs Jirjis, Orango and military members of Ramadan coup 1990[3].
Petition to stop Rahama execution
The court decision has caused outrage among Sudanese public and human right activists, they filed a petition to stop Rahama's Execution. Sudanese Writers Association was quick to condom Rahama arrest and asked for either release him or put him to public trail as he is not military and never participate on fights.[6]
Many activists have written about Rahama on social media and Sudanese Forums condemning the Court and talking about their experience with Rahama. Dalia Haj-Omar (Sudanese Human Right activist) tweeted " I worked with him and he is a True Artist", Ali Haj( former political editor of Ajras al-Hurriya and friend of Rahma )said: “Officials don't have any charges against you and they don't tell you your rights.”
Personal life
Rahama is married to Ethiopian lady and have three children, In recent interview with his wife, she said "there was no contact with him since his arrest and she feel astonish by his sentence, his 6 year-old daughter Dunya kept asking about him and I don't know what to tell her", also she said "I don't leave my house because am scared and worried about the safety of my children after a nearby house was raided by security forces thinking we live there" adding that she sought help from the UN refugee agency, the UNHCR. “I was interviewed, but they didn't offer any assistance. [4]
Works
Here is one of Rahama famous poets which he describe a Know figure in Sudan 'Altaher Bushra' which can also be used to describe Rahama himself.