We have discussed the situation in Darfur several times on Vox Nova. President Obama, during his campaign, made a promise to deal with the situation in the Sundan. That promise received bi-partisan support, and it looked like something which most people could agree upon would be a good thing, if Obama did as he promised.
We have not had a post about Darfur for sometime, and so I thought I would highlight recent events.
First, there is the news that the outgoing UN-African Union Peacekeeping commander, Rodolphe Adada, has said he has helped bring the genocide down, and that the massacre has ended. Not so fast, says the Washington Times. Not only is there something odd about this claim, it appears he has been given an award for his work by the questionable President of Sudan, Omar Bashir. It should be of big surprise to Adada that the conflict has once again increased, and UN Peacekeepers are needing to increase patrols in the Sudan after more attacks on humanitarian aids in the region.
Second, what has happened with Obama’s own advocacy of the Sudan? Advocates against genocide are proclaiming it Obama’s own bridge to nowhere. That is because there is no “end game” policy involved, no final vision as to what should be done. Nonetheless, the United States recent envoy to the Sudan, Scott Gratian, suggests there will be further dialogues in the future, where he seeks to act as mediator to the different warring parties. Refugees from Darfur, however, suggest the United States is currently downplaying the crisis. Let us hope in Obama’s meeting with African leaders at the UN, the situation in the Sudan will be mentioned. Let us also hope Obama can re-install support for human rights issues in the UN, which appears to be eroding away, as this op-ed piece in the New York Times points out.
Third, South Africa sent a high level delegation to the Sudan, hoping to draw the two nations closer. But South Africa is also trying to intercede on behalf of the Sudanese people and to hold bi-lateral talks, and as a part of it, appears to be trying to over-ride the arrest warrant for Bashir.
Finally, keep in prayer Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki, who were abducted in the Sudan over two months ago. They were working for the Irish charity, GOAL. Recently, Sharon was allowed to contact her family in Ireland; but that is not any indication that she will be freed any time soon.
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