Saturday, October 28, 2023

Lasting Pain of War in Darfur

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For over two decades, the people of Darfur have been subjected to a devastating conflict. It began in 1989 when Omar al-Bashir seized power in Khartoum and implemented a policy of marginalization and underfunding of non-Arab tribes. In response, the Darfur Liberation Front (later known as the Sudan Liberation Movement) was formed in 2002 and launched a rebellion against the government.

Khartoum responded by arming and supporting local Arab militia called the Janjaweed, which were later incorporated into Sudan’s official forces. The result was a brutal conflict that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than two million people, both internally and to neighbouring Chad.

The people of Darfur have suffered greatly during this conflict, and the signing of a peace agreement in 2020 is only the first step in their long journey to recovery. The agreement must be followed up with meaningful action to ensure that justice is served and that the people of Darfur can rebuild their lives. This includes providing access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, as well as ensuring that those responsible for the conflict are held accountable.

The international community must also continue to support the people of Darfur in their efforts to achieve peace and stability. This includes providing humanitarian aid, advocating for human rights, and helping to facilitate dialogue between all parties involved in the conflict. Only then can the people of Darfur begin to heal from the trauma of war and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

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