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Sudan

Sudan: Failing to protect the people of Darfur

Pope Benedict recently described the situation in Darfur as "a catastrophic, and sadly to say underestimated, humanitarian situation." But despite the high profile the atrocities of Sudan's most recent crisis have generated, the international community has thus far failed in its collective 'responsibility to protect' the people of Darfur, writes Justin Kilcullen.

Catalogue of human suffering

As Darfur enters its fifth year of conflict, the catalogue of human suffering endured by the people of that region continues to grow. Throughout the conflict, an estimated 200,000 have perished and over 2.5 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes and land, into overpopulated and insecure camps.

Rape has been used to terrorise the population of Darfur, with countless numbers of women and girls subjected to repeated and vicious attacks by armed militia. These attacks take place with almost complete impunity. A recent report found that the Government of Sudan is more likely to take action against those who report and document rape than against those who commit it.

An increasingly complex conflict

The crisis in Darfur has been alternately characterised as 'genocide,' 'counter insurgency' and more recently 'anarchy,' yet none of these descriptions do justice to the complexity of the situation and the changes in the political and military landscape that have been a feature of the conflict to date. The situation continues to deteriorate following the failure of the Darfur Peace Agreement, which was signed by the government of Sudan and only one of the rebel groups in May 2006.

Descriptions of the Darfur conflict as one fought between the Sudanese government, its proxy janjaweed militias, and rebel groups make less and less sense as the conflict in Darfur degenerates. In the past year the situation has become more fluid and chaotic, as Darfur's three main rebel factions have split into more than a dozen separate entities.

Disputes between these groups have fuelled infighting, lawlessness and banditry in this remote and violent region. In a confusing development, some of those who once commanded Janjaweed militias have now defected, and fight alongside various rebel movements against the central government.

Protection crisis

The ongoing anguish and insecurity in Darfur has resulted in desperate calls from its displaced populations for the deployment of an international protection force. An under-resourced African Union (AU) mission is currently struggling to provide even a modicum of security to vulnerable Darfurians. International efforts to resolve the Darfur crisis have predominantly focused on strengthening this AU force, or replacing it with UN troops.

After months of pressure the Government of Sudan recently agreed to the deployment of a more robust AU/UN 'hybrid' force. If fully deployed and adequately resourced such a force could play an important role in contributing to greater security for civilians and humanitarian operations. However, there has been some scepticism about this breakthrough, as the Government of Sudan have proven to be adept at diffusing pressure by making concessions once international pressure reaches a crescendo, only to renege on it's promises at a later date.

International pressure and prospects for peace

While a strengthened peacekeeping presence in Darfur is imperative, it alone cannot and will not resolve the crisis. What is most crucial for Darfur and its population is the resumption of peace talks.

Recently the AU and UN have outlined a three phase joint 'roadmap' for a renewed Darfur peace process. Whilst there are some encouraging signs that this initiative recognises the need for a coordinated and coherent approach, there remains much uncertainty about the prospects for peace. Questions linger about whether there is enough political will amongst parties to the conflict, and whether fractious rebel movements can foster a unified negotiating platform.

Given the enormous challenges involved, sustained international pressure on parties to the conflict to commit to a peace process will be crucial. Pressuring China, Sudan's primary trading partner, to use its influence responsibly in this respect is hugely important for international efforts to resolve the crisis. Ireland and other EU member states should provide practical assistance to the Darfur peace process by contributing funding and mediation experts.

It is also vital to ensure that the failures of last year's Darfur Peace Agreement are not repeated in any fresh attempts at mediation. The people of Darfur have suffered indescribable personal and communal trauma throughout this conflict. Their will to survive these atrocities and determination to influence the transition to a more peaceful Sudan should be respected in a meaningful way in future negotiations.

A re-energised peace process in Darfur must be inclusive and Sudanese owned, allowing all communities and not just rebel leaders to give their views on the future of Darfur. The voices of the long-suffering people of that region deserve to be heard and we must listen to them and act.

To contact Trócaire's press team:

Republic of Ireland
Catherine Ginty,
Press Officer, Trócaire.
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M: 086 629 3994

Northern Ireland & UK
David O'Hare ,
Press Officer, Trócaire.
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