Violence in Darfur, Sudan

Conflicts in Sudan

Conflicts in Sudan Two main ethnic groups – black Africans and Arabs 2 civil wars between north and south over control of government (1956-72 and 1983-2005) Millions of southern Sudanese were killed or displaced

What caused the north-south conflict? Northern, Islamic Arabs gained control over the central government Broke the 1972 peace agreement Oil Discovered in Sudan in 1960s Government controls all oil revenues Still highly distrustful of each other

What caused the north-south conflict?

Darfur

Darfur The National Islamic Front (NIF) Party that took over Sudan’s gov. in a coup in 1989 Controls military and oil 1980’s Countries that surround Sudan made an agreement with US to limit influence of NIF outside of Sudan Opposition groups in Darfur rose up against the government – violent uprising

Who is involved in the Darfur conflict? The Sudanese Liberation Movement (SLM), also known as SLA Justice and Equality movement (JEM) Janjaweed (armed horsemen) are responsible for most of the violence UN estimates 30+ opposition groups fighting for power and influence

What has happened with this conflict? 2003- Initial rebellion - violence spread between rebel forces and Janjaweed Targeted civilians and villages Opposition forces forced young boys to join their forces LRA, as seen in “The Invisible Children” 2006-UN estimates 300,000 killed (violence, starvation, disease) Violence has spilled across borders into Chad and the CAR Refugees have fled Sudan, leaving behind family and homes

Response of the International Community July 2004 – US Congress declared the Sudan conflict a genocide Sept 2004 – Colin Powell made a public statement declaring Darfur a genocide 2005 – UN recognized the amount of violence 2007 – UN sent AU-UN troops to Darfur

Prospects for Peace Peace negotiations have achieved little 2008 – President Bashir accused of war crimes and genocide Case suspended until 2009 Ongoing investigations, no successful peace talks