Five years ago, the crisis in the region of Darfur erupted. The conflict has killed 300,000 and forced another two million to flee their homes. In 2005, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed by the conflicting groups. Last year, African Union and United Nations peacekeeping troops (UNAMID) arrived in Sudan. Despite the signing of the CPA and UNAMID’s presence, the Sudanese people still live in danger and insecurity.
The International Criminal Court’s warrant for arrest of current President Omar al-Bashir is a step forward in achieving justice for Sudan. The court accused him of war crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, and murder. These accusations show how directly the Sudanese government is involved in the conflict and how the people are unable to protect themselves. The government of Sudan continues to claim innocence despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has cost thousands of lives. Further, international bodies are far from stopping it.
UNAMID is unable to gain control and influence the crisis because of the small number of troops and disagreements about their responsibilities. A recent IRIN article discussed some of UNAMID’s tasks, including the responsibility
“to engage in high risk assignments and the protection of people in imminent danger, preventing attacks and threats against civilians, and in monitoring and providing security and protection in IDP camps, threatened villages, and migration routes.”
These assignments are simply not enough to effectively protect the people of Sudan, as civilians continue to die and government attacks persist. As a result, the citizens of Sudan remain unsafe and unprotected.
The international community needs to pressure the government of Sudan to fully implement the CPA and stop militant attacks against its citizens. Until peace is attained, refugees cannot return to their homes and the country will not rebuild.
Visit mcc.org/sudanaction to learn more about the situation in Sudan and how you can advocate for peace and justice.
By Fithe Heramo
