Conflict in Darfur

By: Hilary Cutler

The Start of a Genocide

• Sudan gained independence from England in 1956

• Darfur is a region of Sudan that makes up 1/7 of the population and 1/5 of the land mass

• Islamic-related government has since dominated the Sudanese government

• The country was involved in two civil wars during the 20th century

The Roots of Terror• After the civil wars a new conflict broke out• Stress between Arabs and Non-Arabs was

at an all time high due to severe draught, food shortages and overpopulation

• Non-Arabs had to migrate into Arab tribal lands due to the lack of water in their tribal regions

• This angered many Arabs and some lashed out against the Non-Arab migrants

• In 2003, two non-Arab groups, the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement, took up arms against the Sudanese government

• The groups claimed they were mistreated by the Arab regime in Khartoum

Fighting Begins

• The Sudanese Government took a stance by making aerial bombings along with ground attacks led by Arab Militia (Janjaweed)

• On foot, Janjaweed kills all the men, captures the women, and steals anything valuable

• The playing field was now ready for fighting:

Arab groups (Sudanese Government + Janjaweed) vs. Non- Arab groups (SLA

+ JEM)

• Although the two rival groups are split into Arab vs. Non- Arab the war is seen to be more tribal and ethnic rather than religious

Violence Continues• The Sudanese Government denies supporting Janjaweed

• Although, it is believed that the Sudanese Government send them both money and weapons to use against their own citizens

• The Sudanese Government and Janjaweed adopted “Scorched Earth” tactics to affect as many people as possible

• Deaths are not only caused by fighting but by starvation, disease, and exhaustion

• It is reported that sexual violence has risen

• As of April 22, 2008 the U.N estimates the death toll to be 200,000 and growing

• 1.56 million people have left their homes to avoid the violence

• 2,279,266 people have been affected

Statistics

Aid to the Displaced

• 200,000 Darfurians are living in refugee camps in Chad

• The UN must clothe, feed, and care for all refugees with limited monetary support

• The displaced civilians and volunteers must also fight against mother nature since Darfur is suffering with desertification (land that was previously fertile turns into desert)

Help from the US

• US provides 85% of aid for the World Food Program in Darfur

• more than $1.3 billion US dollars used to fund humanitarian, reconstruction, and peacekeeping needs in both Darfur and other regions in Sudan

• Many organizations and foundations have been formed in the US to support Darfur

Ways You Can Help

• Join a local Darfur group

• Lobby Congress to push them into taking more action

• Donate to Darfur charities or educational groups to spread the word on the conflict

• Sign petitions to make a change

• Click here for more ideas