A Nation Divide – The Darfur Conflict – HR1351

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

Known as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in Africa, the Darfur Conflict has destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives. House Resolution 1351 portrays support and a call for the international community to come to the aid of the people of Darfur and the humanitarian efforts made by peacekeeping troops.

Since it gained its independence some forty three years ago, Sudan has spent more time in internal armed conflict than enjoying that independence. Just as one civil war ended with a peace accord in the Southern provinces, the Darfur Conflict emerged in 2003 as some issues still were not resolved within the nation. Many accuse the government of using aerial bombings and Janjaweed, an Arab Tribal militia, in response to the hostility and fighting. Khartoum officials deny the allegations. Hundreds of thousands of Darfur Refugees have fled with estimates of 180,000 people dead. Around two million have been displaced.

House Resolution 1351 states that seven UNAMID peacekeepers were killed with another 22 wounded on July 8, 2008. This attack is just one of several strings of attacks on aid workers. The UN Security Council had unanimously passed Resolution 1769, which had authorized the deployment of 26,000 peacekeeping troops to the area last summer. However, UNAMID has been thwarted by the Sudanese government and rebels since the decision. The UN announced on June 25, 2008, that UNAMID in Darfur lacked critical resources, including troops, police officers, and air transport. The resolution expresses Congresses condolences to the people of Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda and to the family and friends of those killed and wounded. These attacks on UNAMID have been condemned. In addition, H. Res. 1351 calls upon the Sudanese government to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. There is urgency within the resolution for the international community as well as members of the UN to contribute resources necessary to ensure UNAMID’s success.

Recently, Mr. Ocampo, the International Criminal Court Prosecutor, has asked for the arrest of Sudanese President al-Bashir. Mr. Ocampo would like to see the Sudanese President indicted on war crimes charges and wants rebels to help investigate two of their own commanders accused of attacking African Union peacekeepers. The allegations on President al-Bashir have sparked angry protests. Some UN officials fear that there will be reprisals against UN peacekeepers and aid workers in Darfur. The African Union also feels that the peace process would be jeopardized if the charges are not dropped by the UN Security Council.

Hope is like a light at the end of the tunnel. The people of Darfur need hope and they need our help.

Outside sources
Washingtonpost.com
BBC News (news.bbc.co.uk)