Keep on keeping on...

Posted by Susan

A few weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with a woman who stopped into the One Million Bones office.  She was asking about current situations around the world and we had a discussion about what’s going on now.  But then she asked this question, “What ever happened with Darfur?  Didn’t we call that a genocide?” 

In 2004, George W. Bush did declare the crisis in Darfur genocide; it was the first time a sitting American president had made a declaration regarding an ongoing conflict.  So what happened in Darfur?  Not much.  Some say nothing.  The truth is the United States did participate in the process that created the 2005 Peace Accord, which led to the referendum vote we saw in Sudan in January, and that’s something, but the Darfuri people are still suffering. 

This leads me to this: change that makes a difference is a process, and often a slow process. Unfortunately in situations where people are involved and suffering that’s heartbreaking.  It also means that we cannot give up, no matter how frustrated or disappointed we get.

This is from an email I received yesterday from Gbolahan Lawal who works for the GI Net/Save Darfur coalition:

“Just recently the US treasury met with the government of Sudan and discussed granting debt relief, which is unacceptable as long as Darfuris and innocent civilians are still being attacked. I’m sure you have also heard of the proposed cuts to the foreign aid account, which will have a negative impact on IDP’s and the Sudanese people.”

This is a link to Save Darfur’s action to protest the cutting of humanitarian aid.  Please click through and add your name to the call.  

https://secure3.convio.net/sdc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=642

Peace takes time, and vigilance.  I for one would much rather be hearing about the successes the Darfuri people have made in rebuilding their lives and society seven years on. Vigilance and continued pressure now, can help make that possible.