Darfur

Darfur Genocide: 2003 to 2010?

400,000 dead 2.5 million displaced 10,000 dying every month

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…they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. - Isaiah 2:4 “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Darfur, Sudan

The Fur People How could a government systematically kill its own people? Those controlling the government of Sudan do not consider themselves the same as the people of Darfur. African tribe from Western Sudan Agricultural communities Speak “Fur” language

Causes of the Genocide  Political differences – Sudan central gov’t ignores Darfur  Ethnic differences – Arab culture vs. African culture  Religious differences – Muslim vs. Christian, Animists

Other Factors Drought causes environmental crisis Brutal dictator in power North – South Civil War drains resources of central government Rebel uprising in Darfur Oil – government does not want to fairly divide revenues China supports the dictator

Drought Causes a Crisis in Darfur

North-South Civil War “The most long-lasting and devastating war in the world.” -Jimmy Carter

Religion North - almost 100% Sunni Muslim South – Predominantly Catholic Christians West – (Darfur) Mixed –African folk religions/mixed with Islam

General Omar Al-Bashir and the National Islamic Front

Omar Al-Bashir “President” of Sudan Policy of “Islamization” of Sudan Implementation of Sharia Law Marginalizes Non-Arab and Non-Muslim citizens of Western Sudan (Darfur) and Southern Sudan Ranked World’s Worst Dictator

Marginalization of Darfur

Uprising in Darfur 2003 Darfur rebel groups resent poor treatment Black African ethnic groups accuse gov’t of neglecting Darfur Gov’t favors Arab culture Rebels attack and kill some officials

THE DARFUR REBELS SLA – Sudan Liberation Army Identify with “Fur” culture Want a unified Democratic Sudan

Government Reign of Terror  Janjaweed Militias  Destruction of towns, food and water supplies  Millions are still threatened, at risk of starvation, rape and murder  Children in danger

Janjaweed: Devils on Horseback

Government-Sponsored Terror

Thousands of Towns Destroyed

Civilian Targets Bombed

Food and Water Supplies Ruined

Refugees Flee to Chad Refugees Flee to Chad

Mass Starvation

Rape and Murder of Civilians

Children At Risk

Abduction of Children

Impact on the Next Generation “Now my nights are hard because I feel frightened…“ -Taha, age 13

“They know what they are doing…they are doing it with purpose.” - Ali, Refugee Teacher

International Response  United Nations  African Union  United States of America  China?

Discovery of oil makes Darfur more valuable, but to whom?

United Nations

The African Union

China Connection

Chinese Military in Sudan?

NATO “Drawing on its Response Force… NATO should put a brigade-sized element at the disposal of the United Nations to augment the AU force until it can build up sufficient strength of its own.” -Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright

What Can Be Done? Military Intervention? Diplomatic Influence? Economic Sanctions? Social Isolation?

The United States

“America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause…All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors." - George W. Bush, Inaugural Address, January 20, 2005

More action is needed.

We Must Act