Beyond FACTS: Darfur, Sudan and The Comprehensive Peace Agreement

Britt Bravo of Have Fun * Do Good explains significant details regarding the on-going Darfur crisis, helping her readers better understand current and past developments as well as what’s at stake for the future of all Sudanese citizens. Britt based her outline of these events on what she’s learned in monthly conference calls for Sudan activists. For information on the organizations that sponsor these calls and how you can sign up to listen in, check out Britt’s November 1 post.

I’m noting a few brief bullet points not only to try to help spread the word but so I can grasp more fully what’s really going on in Darfur:

· The violence in Darfur is part of a history of violence in all of the Sudan.
· In 2004 a permanent ceasefire agreement brought a 21-year civil war to an end.
· In 2005 both sides in the war agreed to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)
· The CPA calls for a census followed by 2009 presidential and parliamentary elections
· The end to the violence will require the removal of the National Congress Party, one of the groups that waged the civil war, from power
· Life in the refugee camps is treacherous. Women and children live in constant fear of attack and rape while youths are forming gangs. Humanitarian workers risk their lives (and their sanity, I’m sure) every day.

Britt offers not only much more information, but guidance regarding how anyone can help. Check out her post and follow the links. I’m especially intrigued by the fourth annual Darfur Fast on December 5 and hope it’s a huge success. All proceeds will go to the Genocide Intervention Network’s Civilian Protection program.

Anyone with a phone is also encouraged to contact members of Congress regarding legislation and funding to support peacekeeping efforts—including humanitarian aid and restoration—in Darfur. Brava, Britt, as usual…and THANKS.