As the crisis in Sudan worsens, global humanitarian organizations have taken to social platforms to raise awareness and urge the international community to donate to those victims in need. @SudanMealProject, an Instagram account claiming to assist Sudanese children plagued by food shortages, amassed hundreds of thousands of followers over the weekend after circulating a pledge to donate in exchange for reposts.
“For every STORY REPOST this post gets, we will provide one meal to Sudanese children, and you will help spread awareness on what’s happening in Sudan," the text read, which included the blue background meant to symbolize solidarity with slain victim Mohamed Hashim Mattar. "Click on the paper plane next to the comment button and tap 'add to story' to repost." The post went on to garner 1 million likes, and earned the cosign of celebrities like Ayesha Omar and Christi Lukasiak.
However, users began taking to the comments section to question the legitimacy of the account's aid efforts given the Sudanese government has gone to extreme lengths to veil the instability from the global community and prevent future protests. Per screenshots published by BuzzFeed, the account administrator responded to comments asking for evidence of their relief efforts, by explaining that they "didn't realize" their account was growing so fast, and are looking for new ways to raise money.
As reported by The Atlantic, the account holders couldn't provide proof that they were working with any aid organizations or delivering on their promise to send meals to Sudanese children.
“What I am obtaining is followers and exposure,” the administrator for @SudanMealProject told The Atlantic. “I love how the left likes to twist these stories.” In light of their exposed illegitimacy, the account administrator deleted the viral post and changed the account's handle to @SudanPlan.
The outlet reached out to Instagram shortly thereafter, which then deleted the account due to their deceptive marketing tactics. However, @SudanMealProject wasn't the only account exploiting the crisis for publicity. Hosts of other Instagram users are reportedly operating under the guise of helping victims in Sudan, which Instagram said they are working to root out.
Falsely advertising their intentions wasn't the only deceptive tactic these accounts have adopted. Although bread shortages contributed to the protests that preceded al-Bashir's ousting, the opposition movement has become increasingly focused on democracy and government accountability. “More than six million people need urgent food assistance," a now-deleted post on @SudanMealProject read. However, that statistic is regarding South Sudan, which became a sovereign nation in 2011.
Global aid organizations, such as UNICEF, which is committed to providing aid to children across the globe, and Save the Children, have had a sustained presence in Sudan for decades. Donating to established aid organizations with proven networks inside the countries experiencing crisis and conflict is the best way to financially contribute to relief efforts. For a full breakdown of how you can help the people of Sudan, click here.
