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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 attempted to kill all the men, capture the women, and steal anything valuable

• This is still happening today

The playing field was now ready for fighting:

Arab groups (Sudanese Government + Janjaweed)

vs.

Non- Arab groups (SLA + JEM)

Violence Continues• The Sudanese Government

denies supporting Janjaweed

• It is believed that the Sudanese Government sends Janjaweed 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

Statistics • 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

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