SWFL Project:
Save Darfur
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Sudan, the largest country in Africa is probably the most forgotten country in the world. It is home to over 41 million citizens of many, diverse cultures. Fifty percent of Sudan describes themselves as black and forty percent Arabs. Seventy percent of their religion is Muslim and five percent Christian, the rest is various. Today, the people of Sudan have found themselves trapped in genocide. This conflict has left 400,000 people killed and more than 2 million forced from their homes. This is Sudan’s story; this is the voice of millions of people suffering who can not speak out.
The history of Sudan has been known for its controversy. In 1956, Sudan claimed independence from Great Britian. After Sudan gained independence they went through several systems of government two being military and civil rule. In 1989 Sudan was declared a military government and ran by General Omar Hassan Elbashir. When this government evolved, problems started to emerge. In 2001, three million people in Sudan suffered from famine because of his poor leadership.
In 2003, two rebel groups formed against Sudan's government because they were tired of the neglect they were recieving. In return, the "Janjaweed" were supported by the Sudanese government to fight against the groups in Darfur. In Arabic, Janjaweed means “the devil on a horseâ€. The Janjaweed were told to kill the rebels and civilians of non-Arab tribes. The two groups targeted by the Janjaweed fight for the rights of Sudan’s people. The Sudanese government supplies the Janjaweed and in return they target civilians, mainly of African descent or anyone who is more likely to support these two rebel groups. Although it is not clearly stated it is known that the conflict in Sudan is between the "Arabs" and the "Black-Africansâ€.
The U.S. government is aware of the struggle in Sudan. President Bush has used the word “genocide†describing what Sudan’s government is doing to non-Arab Africans. The United States has spent more than $211 million in aid for the suffering. However, the U.S. has threatened to pull out aid camps in Sudan because their volunteers are being threatened by the Janjaweed. The United Nations requested Sudan to withdrawal troops or there would be consequences. Sudan’s government has yet to withdrawal any troops and the United Nations did not give any repercussions. The U.S. also gave threats of oil sanctions, which were never fulfilled.
Oil found in countries is much known as a blessing. But, for Sudan, it is known as a curse. The money from oil goes to the government which fuels the war against civilians. Many oil companies are known for wiping out areas of Sudan to create oil factories. China holds a large portion of the oil companies in Sudan. China is also an ally of the Sudanese government and supports their war. Oil in Sudan is a main conflict for the war.
Darfur, Sudan is the most common area of conflict. Darfur is a trading port and is known for its extreme diversity, water supplies, and trade. The 2003 Janjaweed attacks broke out here, in Darfur. It is said that the Janjaweed have not yet been prosecuted because there is question if they have really committed genocide in Darfur. Darfur has been long neglected and has faced war for over 50 years. The Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. is directing their attention towards Darfur, Sudan in their museum.
War continues to haunt Sudan as between 1,000-2,000 people per day check into refuge camps. People sit & wonder if anyone will take a stand, or we will let the holocaust reenact itself. I thought we said "Never Again"?
Mallory Minor
