Darfur is proving to be a great embarassment for the African Union. Praised as an African response to solve and African problem the African, it is turning out to be the AU's undoing. So it is pertinent that the body does something right and sends the right signal. But is Khartoum listening?
Sudan has all it takes to make a geat nation: large country, diverse groups and race, multi-religious, abandon natural resources with oil in the fore front. You name it. However, our series of governments seem intent on losing all these for mere chance of holding power forever.
The AU is acting to save its reputation. It will certainly be awkward for Sudan to head the AU while it is fighting rebels in Darfur and also overseeing AU peace keepers. No one in Khartoum seems to find this ironic. The focus on the deteriorating situation in Darfur comes second, in my humble opinion.
Lots of questions remain and will be unanswered for a long time. What does Bashir and his government stand to gain by making Sudan a pariah state in the world? Why are they pushing the patience of the international community over an issue that can be easily solved?
That said, what are the chances that Sudan will have the chair of the AU next year? Will there be peace by the end of 2007? Will Khartoum say enough is enough? Who has the power to make things move ahead?
Let there be change in Darfur. Let there be peace.
1 comment:
Black Kush/Darfur Awareness
I admire your blog very much.Thanks for taking your part in ending this genocide. My name is Kate Scully, I am one of the key organizers of the upcoming student conference "Never Again": The Student Conference to End Genocide in Darfur.
Some time ago, our teacher (as well as John Predergast- he sent us his book before it was published..I do believe it's still under review.) inspired us to take action on Darfur. Stumbled by the limited capabilities (or so we thought) of high school students, we never realized how much of a difference we could really make. We came up with the idea of a three day conference to raise student awareness on the issue; one of the fundamental beginning steps towards change.
The conference will take place on February 10th, 11th, and 12th at the New School of Northern Virginia. We have had many offers from Universities for conference space, but decided to keep it on our home turf.
February 10th is called the "Problem" day. From 9AM-5PM on this day, students that are attending will be educated by a series of nationally renowned non-profits including Amnesty International, World Vision, Darfur Peace and Development,Save Darfur, STAND, the Genocide Intervention Network, and many more. There will be a showing of "Darfur Diaries" (which is now also a book!) and a panel discussion between the students and their educators. Congressman James Moran is the opening key-note speaker for this day. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
February 11th is the "Solutions" Day. From 9AM-5PM , the students that are attending will learn how to lobby through speakers with audit and PowerPoint presentations; as well as an intensive workshop provided by Amnesty International. The lobbying workshop and various presentations on lobbying will prepare students for the following day. A continental breakfast and lunch will also be provided on this day.
The last day, February 12th, is World Refugees Day. On this day, the students will meet as a collective group at the Capitol in Washington D.C . and lobby for Darfur . Appointments have been set up with numerous congressmen & working staff so that the students can come face to face with their legislators and demand that America fight the war on Genocide.
One of the first steps towards change is student outcry. We need an uproar. We need a group of dedicated students to come and fight for the less fortuanate, the dying, for humanity. Please help us find students that are dedicated to doing just this. Any way you can help would be greatly appreciated.
I can send you our press release, confirmed speakers, layouts, and basic informations sheet. We would love to keep in touch with you.
Thanks so much,
Kate
Current sponsors: STAND/The Genocide Intervention Network, American Audio Video
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