If you've been online lately,
you've probably noticed, well, two things.
One: it's Keanu's world, and we're all just living in it.
(laughter)
And two: everyone has been posting about Sudan.
WOMAN: People around the world are using Instagram
to raise awareness about the recent violence in Sudan.
There's been a wave of postings,
using the hashtag "blue for Sudan."
Actor and activist George Clooney is using his celebrity
to draw attention to the ongoing
political and humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
WOMAN 2: U.S. celebrities, including Rihanna, Nick Jonas
and Bella Hadid are using
their social platforms to raise awareness.
Yeah, this is amazing.
People are using social media
to raise awareness about the crisis in Sudan.
And honestly, I never thought I'd see the day
where a thirst trap would be used for a noble cause. Yeah.
No. 'Cause usually on Instagram, it's just like,
"Look at my ass. Now buy tummy tea."
But now, it's like, "Look at my ass and pray for Sudan."
(laughter)
And you may be wondering, what is happening
that's causing a crisis in Sudan?
Well, we figured, let's, uh, get into it
in another installment of "If You Don't Know, Now You Know."
-♪ ♪ -(cheers and applause)
To understand what's going on in Sudan right now,
you have to go back 30 years, when Sudan got something
that almost always guarantees oppression and unrest--
a dictator.
Omar al-Bashir came to power in a military coup in 1989,
and survived for 30 years through cunning and brutality.
MAN 2: In Southern Sudan and Darfur,
his militia scorched earth and massacred his enemies.
Hundreds of thousands died and suffered from famine.
He was indicted for war crimes,
crimes against humanity and genocide.
Since 1989, 75-year-old Omar al-Bashir
forcibly united Sudan by waging wars
while wearing a smile.
You know, the only thing worse than a dictator
is a smiling dictator.
Yeah, 'cause now you're a maniac with a creepy-ass grin.
Like, we all know how terrifying Hitler looks.
Now imagine if he was smiling.
Yeah. I-I can't look at that.
Take that shit down. Take that shit down!
So for 30 years,
Omar al-Bashir ruled over Sudan with an iron fist.
And there were many failed attempts to overthrow him.
But it turns out, the secret ingredient
to a successful revolt was bread.
After 30 years in power,
President Omar al-Bashir has been forced out of power
by the country's military.
The army has dissolved the government
and declared a state of emergency.
That's right. After 30 years in power,
this dictatorship ended because people didn't have bread,
which must be really confusing to people in California.
Yeah. 'Cause they start riots if you give them bread.
(laughter)
Like, "This doesn't have carbs, right?
"Because if it does, I will burn this (bleep) store
to the ground!"
(laughter)
So, two months ago,
the people of Sudan finally got rid of their dictator.
And you could tell that it was a big deal,
because people were cheering online,
celebrating in town squares and even partying in the streets.
I mean, just look at that joy, huh?
People were dancing in the traffic!
It was like an African La La Land.
But just like La La Land's joy at the Oscars,
the people of Sudan's victory was short-lived.
WOMAN: Sudan's defense minister said the military
is suspending the constitution and will take charge
of the country for the next two years.
MAN: One week after they deposed a dictator,
Sudanese demonstrators are still on the streets.
They, too, want to replace a military-led regime
they consider corrupt with a civilian-led government.
That is such a horrible and unfortunate twist.
The military helped the people depose the dictator,
and then they decided to take his place.
Yeah, which is a classic Lord of the Rings.
Yeah, Gollum works with the good guys
to get rid of the ring,
and at the end, when he sees an opening,
he's like, "My precious!"
So, now you know the basics of what happened.
The people of Sudan got rid of their dictator of 30 years,
and now, right now, they're fighting the military general
who wants to be their dictator for the next 30 years.
And you may be wondering, "Yeah, but, Trevor,
how are celebrities gonna help, huh?"
Is the general gonna check Twitter and be like,
"Oh, no, Rihanna blocked me. I'll step down"?
Well, maybe not. Maybe not.
But already, the awareness campaign is bearing fruit.
The U.S. is sending a special envoy to Sudan,
and the African Union has suspended Sudan
until the military gives power back to the people.
Yeah. And it's not just up to celebrities
to shine a light on this. Any American can help.
You can call your congressperson,
and you can urge them to keep the pressure on Sudan.
You can actually make a difference,
which is especially important today
because it's World Refugee Day.
'Cause while not everyone may agree
on what to do with refugees, I think we can all agree
that no one should have to become one in the first place.