Updates

This page includes updates from several organizations that work as activists for Darfur, Uganda and the Congo, as well as my own notes from local events or news alerts. I wanted one location where you could find any important key elements or breaking news.  Please read my first update which starts at the bottom of the page. This is where I realized that what we needed to do was to make the world aware.

If you would like to be kept aware of what's
happening with BTM behind the scenes and upcoming projects,
please send a request to: info@betheirmessenger.org

BTM is temporarily on hiatus. News updates will be posted when able to the facebook page.
If you would like to be on the e-mail list to be notified when updates resume,
please send an e-mail to info@betheirmessenger.org

Please check out Outreach Uganda

Dedicated to empowering people of Uganda Outreach Uganda

2/6/09 U.N. says 30,000 displaced by South Darfur fighting

"KHARTOUM (Reuters) - At least 30,000 people have fled their homes in South Darfur state in western Sudan in recent days because of fighting between rebels and government forces, the United Nations said in a statement received on Friday."
article: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5153OU20090206

1/26/09 Amb. Susan Rice: Darfur is an "Ongoing Genocide"

"In her first press availability Ambassador Susan Rice had this to say about Darfur.

Well, obviously we remain very deeply concerned about the ongoing genocide in Darfur. The priority at this point has to be effective protection for civilians. And in that regard, our effort and attention will be, and as we discussed this morning with the Secretary-General and colleagues, on effective efforts to support the full and complete deployment of UNAMID so that there is the capacity on the ground to begin to effect that civilian protection.
Obviously, we will continue to look at what is necessary to deal with any obstruction, continued violence or reprisals that may occur anyway or may emanate as a result of a potential indictment. And we want to be supportive of the Special Envoy's efforts to negotiate a lasting peace and resolve the underlying political differences."

article: http://www.undispatch.com/node/7599

1/26/09 International Court Begins First Trial on Lubango

"Mr. Lubanga, 48, once the leader of a powerful and violent militia, is accused of war crimes, including commandeering children under the age of 15 and sending them into war to maim and kill. He pleaded not guilty to the crimes, which prosecutors said occurred in 2002-2003 during ethnic fighting in the Ituri region of Eastern Congo."...
article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/world/europe/27hague.html?_r=1&hp

1/23/09 Rwanda arrests Congo rebel leader Laurent Nkunda

"KINSHASA, Congo – In a stunning reversal of alliances, Rwandan troops captured Congo's most powerful rebel leader, a longtime ally who the Congolese government says was at the heart of years of war in the east, officials said Friday."
article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090123/ap_on_re_af/af_congo_nkunda_arrest

1/19/09 Ben Affleck Turns Reporter

"Ben Affleck doesn't think of himself as a journalist. But he's good at playing one.
Before jetting off to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration, the Oscar winner turned up at the Sundance Film Festival Saturday to talk about the premiere of Reporter, the in-competition feature-length documentary he produced.
A compelling examination of the state of American journalism today, the film chronicles New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof's journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate the country's ongoing civil strife."...

See video and article here

1/18/09 More Updates from Mohamed Suleiman, Native of Darfur

"1- North Darfur:

Janjaweed on 24 vehicles, camels, horsebacks, accompanied with one Government Helicopter attacked
villages of Um Sidir, Sani Saiyah. Found only elders, women, children. They pillaged and looted the
villages, beat the elders, women, children. Many injured. No reports of deathes.

2- South Darfur:
- Yesterday, Saturday 17th 2009, Janjaweed with GoS troops on about 60 vehicles attacked 3 villages of:
UmShig, Agara in the locality of Shiirya. The villages were torched. 8 people were killed ( including
children, 9 missing, many injured, more than 1600 livestock were taken by the troops and Janjaweed)
some were sold in Town of Shiirya, some were feasted upon by the GoS troops and Janjaweed.

- The UNAMID announced today that the town of Mahajiria is under control of JEM forces following the
fighting broke between JEM and SLA Minnawi faction on Thursday 01/15/2009.

1/18/09 Congo-Kinshasa: Kony Rebels Burn Hundreds in Church

"Kampala — Hundreds of civilians were on Saturday burnt to death in a church by the Lord's Resistance Army rebels.
The rebels set ablaze a church called Bima in the Democratic Republic of Congo at midnight as the faithful prayed.
It is not yet known how many Christians were in the church at the time, according to Radio Okapi, a UN radio in Congo.
I n an indescribably savage manner, the rebels then attacked several homesteads, axing, cutting, slitting throats and crushing skulls with wooden bats and axes...
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Watch said so far 600 people have been killed by the rebels led by Joseph Kony since December 14, 2008.
"In Doruma, it was really awful. They had killed at least 300 people. We were in a village where there are only six survivors, all the others were killed," said Anneke Van Woudenberg, who coordinates the investigations on behalf of Human Rights Watch.
"One of the few survivors, a 72-year-old man who arrived late for Christmas lunch, hid in the bushes and watched in horror as his wife, children and grandchildren were killed," Woudenberg said.
After the massacre, the rebels "ate the Christmas feast the villagers had prepared, and then slept among the dead bodies before continuing on their trail of destruction and death" through another 12 villages.
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200901190007.html

1/15/09 SUSAN RICE ON DARFUR, CONGO AND ZIMBABWE

"Rice asserted that the U.S. would take a leading role at the United Nations in addressing the “thorny challenges of peacekeeping in the context of Darfur and Congo and the autocracy in the context of Zimbabwe.
Rice cited two main challenges the international community faces with regard to ending the conflicts in Darfur and Congo: Lack of capacity among U.N. member states to deploy well-trained and equipped peacekeeping troops on a timely basis; and lack of political will on behalf of member states to commit the resources necessary to make U.N.-peacekeeping missions successful. Rice pledged her commitment to “work to strengthen international will to take on Darfur, Congo, and Zimbabwe,” clearly showing her intent to engage with key allies who can bring pressure to bear on hostile regimes such as Khartoum."...
article: http://www.enoughproject.org/blogs/rice-darfur-congo-and-zimbabwe

1/15/09 More Updates from Mohamed Suleiman, Native of Darfur

"- Yesterday (Wednesday 1/14) there were demonstrations in the camp of Abu Nbag, refuge for over 2000,
protesting lack of food and medical supplies. A convoy of food from WFP is moving from Libya boarders across
the desert. The convoy is not expected to reach the camps in Eastern Chad before the end of the month
(unpaved roads through the Desert).

- Yesterday (Wednesday 1/14)GoS airplanes bombed the village of Hashabah in North Darfur. No reports yet of casualties.

1/14/09 Sudan admits Darfur rebel bombing

"Sudan's military has admitted carrying out a wave of bombings in the Darfur region on Tuesday."
article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7828803.stm

1/13/09 Uganda: UPDF Captures More Kony Rebels

"Kampala — THE UPDF has captured more LRA fighters in the on-going military offensive in the north-east of the DR Congo, where the army is engaged in a regional military offensive against the rebels."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200901140027.html

LRA Update:

"A notorious Ugandan rebel group has killed more than 500 people in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and kidnapped over 400, including several over the past four days, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said today.
UNHCR's team in the regional centre of Dungu said the death toll in the province bordering Uganda and South Sudan is now estimated at 537 people. Another 408 people have been kidnapped by LRA rebels since the outbreak of violence in September last year.
The rebels, who have been fighting Ugandan forces since the 1980s and have since spilled over into Sudan and DRC, are notorious for human rights abuses including the killing and maiming of civilians, and the abduction and recruitment of children as soldiers and sex slaves."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200901130778.html

1/9/09 Please pass on the following letter

{From San Francisco Bay Coalition}
Dear Darfur Activist -
 
Sudan President al-Bashir's repeated threats to escalate violence against, and completely cut off humanitarian aid to Darfuris and other marginalized people of Sudan if the International Criminal Court issues the arrest warrant against him, remain unanswered by the US, other nations, and the UN.
 
The ICC arrest warrant may be issued as early as January 15, 2009. We cannot wait for the Obama administration. 

Please address an email to President Bush at comments@whitehouse.gov and to US Special Envoy to Sudan Richard Williamson at williamsonRS@state.gov with the subject Heading "Need Your Urgent Attention on Darfur" and copy and paste the following as the message:
 
"Dear Mr. President and Mr. Williamson:  I respectfully urge you to use all diplomatic means available to prevent Sudan President Al-Bashir from carrying out his threats to escalate violence against, and cut off all humanitarian aid to, Darfuris and other marginalized populations of Sudan if the ICC issues the arrest warrant against him.  As you know, the warrant may issue as early as January 15, 2009; your immediate attention is needed.  Please ensure that an emergency response plan is in place if the GoS follows through on its threats."
 
and sign your name and indicate your state of residence.
 

1/8/09 Follow up to LRA Christmas Massacres
Uganda: Offensive Against Kony Backfires

..."On New Year’s Eve, some two weeks after it began, Museveni was quoted in the New Vision newspaper as saying, “Our aim was to disrupt Kony and it was successful. Our initial plan was to scatter and stop him from causing terror.”
But the assault appears to have had the opposite effect. Kony has killed more people and sewn more terror in the following two weeks than during the entire preceding year...
The coming year promises to be deadly for those unfortunate to live in the region where the DRC, South Sudan and the CAR meet...
Scattered LRA units are now operating semi-independently, and this time reportedly killing, looting and abducting villagers in three countries."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200901080170.html

E-Mail Congress to ask them to take immediate action to stop the violence

1/7/09 More Updates from Mohamed Suleiman, Native of Darfur

"1-I got many calls from North Darfur - Area of Anka and Donkey Housh. They said Antonov plane is dropping
bombs for hours. Itis circulating an area where many villages are there. One eye witness said he could see
fire all over around Donkey Housh. He said he is afraid that there may be casualties because the
bombing is around a water source (wells) where natives come with their animals to get water.
Another source said his place is far from the ;ocation of bombings but he can hear and feel the loud
explosions. The last caller said the Antonov kept making rounds of bombings while circulating for hours."

1/6/09 US Initiates Immediate Airlift for Darfur Peacekeepers

"The Bush administration says it will waive a requirement to notify Congress 15 days in advance of undertaking an airlift of equipment for UN and African Union peacekeepers in Sudan...
President Bush announced the airlift Monday at the White House after holding talks with Sudan’s First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit. ..
{Response by Eric Reeves:} “This is really extraordinary that they are billing this as a new initiative. The question is not the US ability to use its enormous airlift capacity. It has made that offer publicly. Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, travelling to Khartoum in early November, declaring then, over two months ago that the US was willing to use its airlift capacity to move troops and equipment. This is not new. I think it’s really a question of what there is to move in. Most of the time since the passage of UN resolution 1769, which authorized UNAMID (the joint United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur), there has been insufficient equipment or manpower that is ready or that Khartoum will permit to deploy,”...

“There is no practicable no-fly zone, no place to base it. There’s no way to distinguish Antonov cargo aircraft that are dropping bombs and those that are delivering humanitarian aid and supplies. Khartoum is notorious for disguising its aircraft, both fixed wing and helicopters. I think it is simply unreasonable to think that just short of a robust force on the ground that would disable planes that would have attacked civilians, disabling them subsequently, there is no way to enforce a no-fly zone,” he said.

Reeves adds that over five years, the United States has not contributed a single helicopter to the UNAMID effort"
article: http://voanews.com/english/Africa/2009-01-06-voa6.cfm

1/5/09 Statement by National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley

"Today, President Bush announced his approval of the airlift of equipment for the United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). The President also authorized the waiver of the 15-day congressional notification requirements to allow the airlift assistance to proceed immediately, because failing to do so would pose a substantial risk to human health and welfare.

The U.S. provision of airlift will deliver equipment and vehicles that are critical to the UNAMID deployment, and will thus help UNAMID directly protect civilian lives and improve the safe and effective delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid to areas of west Darfur currently inaccessible due to security concerns."

1/3/09 Information coming out of Darfur

{From Mohamed Suleiman, Native of Darfur)

12/30/08
"I received 2 phone calls (on my cell phone) from Hasahisa IDP camp (near Zalengie in West Darfur) and from Abu Nabag refugees camp at the Darfur Chad border.
- The camp never received supplies (food, medical, other) since late August this year.
- Death rate climbed sharply in the past months. three women died while giving births recently due to
infection ( no Antibiotics), one woman gave birth to twins. She died with one of her twins. Two young
mothers (18 years old and 19 years old) died during giving births.Infants are dying in high rate. lately
18 days old child and 32 days child died due to infections. Elders are falling victims to lack of food
and lack of medicine . People are venturing out to collect wild fruits from saharan trees because they
are running out of food. The Omdah Adam and Saharah Nourin ( a woman im the
camp) asking if somebody can tell some organization ( U.N. , unicef, ngo's or any body) to reach them in the
camp.
>From Hasahisa I got a call from a leader in the IDP camp saying that the Janjaweed are on the move outside
the camp and every body in the camp is extremely tense. No one can go to the water source. From the
past experience when Janjaweed gather outside the camp, an assault occurs."

1/5/09
"multiple sources from different locations in west and north darfur have seen Musa Hilal actively recruiting
new janjaweeds and distributing new arms ( brand new and in thousands) to them.
His activities covered areas of: Kabkabiah ( N. Darfur), Saraf Omra (N. Darfur), Mournie ( West
Darfur), Mestrieh ( West Darfur). Sources say that Musa Hilal is focusing more on new
Arab Nomads coming recently from Niger and Benin and settled in the above locations. As incentive Musa
Hilal offered these new comers Sudanese citizenship in return of being recruited and given new weapons.
Musa Hilal when confronted with the above allegations he denied them and said he is just in a tour among
Arab Tribes to convince them to lay down the arms in return of peace.
Many believe this flood of arms is a part of the Al-Bashir's counter-ICC scheme."

1/4/09
"I am informed by sources in Khartoum that the U.N. in Khartoum has started evacuation of all foreign
employees to Entebbe ( Uganda). Khartoum offices wil be manned by Sudanese national employees and to be
reduced to skeleton presence."

1/2/09 New Book - Out of Exile

"Millions of people have fled from conflicts and persecution in all parts of this Northeast African country, and many thousands more have been enslaved as human spoils of war. In this book, refugees and abductees recount their escapes from the wars in Darfur and South Sudan, from political and religious persecution, and from abduction by paramilitary groups. In their own words, they recount life before their displacement and the reasons for their flight. They describe life in the major stations on the "refugee railroads": in the desert camps of Khartoum, the underground communities of Cairo, the humanitarian metropolis of Kakuma refugee camp, and the still-growing internally displaced persons camps in Darfur."

http://store.mcsweeneys.net/index.cfm/fuseaction/catalog.detail/object_id/563589d3-656e-4431-95ff-c84bf3dc3665/OutofExile.cfm

12/31/08 LRA rebels kill 400 in Christmas massacres in Congo

"KINSHASA: Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels killed more than 400 people in Christmas massacres in northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Caritas aid charity said yesterday.
The targets included a town where a Christmas Day concert was being held and a Roman Catholic church, and attacks were going on along the Sudanese border.
Caritas workers said "over 400 people have been killed in the attacks in an area of northern DRC".
article: http://www.capetimes.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4777287

12/22/08 Mocha Club

"Start a new conversation. Get it off your chest and into the hearts of others. Raise awareness of the joy and hope that exist in Africa, and begin to reform the inaccurate perception that Africa is a continent only of despair. Are you in?"
https://www.mochaclub.org/mochaclub/welcome

;

12/17/08 Affleck's new film on DRC

"You've probably heard folks talk about the atrocities being committed in the Congo, or skipped through a commercial featuring a slideshow of poor, dirty, unhappy faces in an effort to win your donations -- but the problems aren't going away, and perhaps you'll take a few minutes to check out this new short film from Ben Affleck to see if there's anything you can do to help. Affleck teams up with UNHCR and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in a new campaign (which includes the following short, directed by Affleck) to "help raise funds and awareness about the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the work of the UN refugee agency." They hope to eventually raise $23 million in 2009 to help pay for stuff like clean water supplies and emergency humanitarian assistance kits.
article: http://www.cinematical.com/2008/12/17/watch-this-ben-afflecks-short-film-gimme-shelter/

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXmxTJnKDM8

12/17/08 Sudan: Hundreds (more) Dead in Darfur Battles

"Darfur — Up to 250 people were killed in clashes in Sudan's Darfur region in the last week, says the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission (Unamid)...
Unamid says it also received reports more than 5,000 people fled their homes after a village was burned and looted.
Six police officers were among the dead, Unamid said."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200812160870.html

12/16/08 An Honest article on Congo - The Never Ending War

I appreciate the honesty and gravity in this article. I hope that those of you that are searching for truths about Congo will read it. The world does need to be aware and to know the details. I am not going to post much copy from this article as I normally would though because I know that for a lot of people, these details still need to be filtered. I will only copy this:
"because although we claim that rape is a weapon, committing a rape has never constituted a breach of any peace accord...
Until the sexual violence ends, the world has no right to speak of peace."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200812160071.html

12/13/08 The Courage to Forgive and to Bring Hope

"In 1998, Rose Mapendo was swept up in the ethnic battles inside Democratic Republic of Congo and was sent to what she describes as a death camp. Despite enormous suffering and loss, she found the courage to forgive her jailors and became the inspiration for a new organization, Mapendo International, that provides emergency help to refugees." http://www.mapendo.org/
article: http://blogs.ushmm.org/COC2/596

12/14/08 Condition: Critical

PLEASE check out this video http://www.condition-critical.org/

"A new video from Condition: Critical a website by Doctors Without Borders.  It’s a deeply personal view of the conflict ravaging Congo." 

12/12/08 Vote For Change

"Save Darfur is participating in a contest run by Change.org that’s called “Ideas for Change in America.” They will present the top 10 ideas to the Obama administration on Inauguration Day.  Then, they’ll build a national campaign to advance those ideas in Congress.  The first round of voting ends on December 31.  The top three ideas from each of the 30 categories will make it into the second round.  Round two voting starts on January 5 and ends January 15.

Save Darfur has an idea listed in the Genocide category.  You can vote for your idea at http://www.change.org/ideas/browse/genocide.  Please help us make it into the finals, so that we can be sure that President-elect Obama makes Darfur a priority from day one."
http://blogfordarfur.org/2008/12/12/vote-for-change/

12/11/08 Beyond Crisis Management in Eastern Congo

"The beleaguered people of North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are justifiably angry. Despite the international community’s $500 million investment in 2006 elections and the world’s largest United Nations peacekeeping mission (costing more than $1 billion per year), the current round of fighting is the most destructive since 2005 and the latest chapter in more than 12 years of near continuous warfare."
article: http://www.enoughproject.org/reports/beyond-crisis-management-in-congo

12/11/08 One Year Later

"The excerpt below comes from a New York Times editorial in today’s paper.
In January, President Bush said this about Darfur: “My administration called this genocide. Once you label it genocide, you obviously have to do something about it.”

Yet, last week — nearly one year later — this is what the International Criminal Court prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, told the United Nations Security Council about Darfur: “Genocide continues. Rapes in and around the camps continue. Humanitarian assistance is still hindered. More than 5,000 displaced persons die each month.” How can this still be?"
http://blogfordarfur.org/2008/12/11/one-year-later/

12/10/08 President Bush Meets with Darfur Human Rights Activist Dr. Halima Bashir

"I assured her that, in spite of the economic difficulties, our aid will continue to flow. We will use our influence to make sure the aid gets to the people of Darfur.
I also made it clear that I am frustrated with the pace of activities; that the United Nations must expedite sending troops, peacekeepers, to provide security for the people -- that's what they want, they want to be able to have a secure life -- and that we'll help.
The United States continues to stand at the ready to provide airlift. The pace of action out of the United Nations is too slow. We support the mediation process by the A.U.-U.N. mediator. In other words, we recognize in order for there to be peace in Darfur that parties must come to the table in good faith and solve the problems.
And finally, it's very important for President Bashir of Sudan to know that he cannot escape accountability; that if he so choose, he could change people's lives, the condition of people's lives very quickly.
I've appointed a special envoy to Sudan to help put pressure on the government. The United States must continue to rally the international community to put pressure on the government, as well. The urgency of the situation is never more apparent than when I had the honor of visiting with this brave soul.
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200812100989.html

12/8/08 33 countries face possible genocide

"UNITED NATIONS - Genocide and other mass atrocities are underway or risk breaking out in at least 33 countries, says a new comprehensive watch list...
Since the world pledged "never again" in the wake of the Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda and Bosnia-Herzegovina are but three examples of places where mass slaughter has occurred.
The list by the New York-based Genocide Prevention Project for the first time combines the findings of five leading independent watch lists to create a "watch list of watch lists."...
The enduring lesson of the Holocaust and that of the genocides that followed is that they occurred not simply because of the machinery of death, but because of the state-sanctioned incitement to hatred," Cotler said.
article: http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=1049224

12/6/08 Congo-Kinshasa: DRC, Rwanda Endorse Joint Plan Against FDLR

"Goma — Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Friday at last agreed to a joint operational plan against the ex-FAR and Interahamwe militia, who spearheaded the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis. The group now goes by the name Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200812060001.html

12/4/08 Thousands of people in a slum 20km south of Khartoum are living in makeshift shelters made of sticks and cloth after their homes were razed by the government.

"Mandela was set up in the early 1990s by people fleeing poverty and conflict from the western Darfur region and Southern Sudan, respectively. While the conditions were poor, residents had secure mud brick homes and some had private generators providing electricity...

"I had a house – with a door and a key," said Ahmad Abderahim, a migrant from the central Nuba Mountains. "Now we are staying in the desert. We are worried about fires, sickness, criminals ... If there is a fire, not one child will survive. The houses burn easily."
Forced out
Mary Deng, who fled the southern town of Aweil during Sudan's north-south civil war, said: "If you refused to leave, they came with the bulldozer."
"They don't respect the owner of the house," added Abdu Adam, who said he was beaten by police when he refused to leave the house. "They just come in and empty the house. They beat people."
article: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=81815

12/3/08 Sudan: Human Rights Defenders Arrested, Held Without Charge

"Sudanese authorities have arrested and detained three human rights defenders in Khartoum, two of whom remain in detention, Human Rights Watch said today. On November 24, 2008, Sudanese authorities in Khartoum summoned the three men to the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) offices, where they were detained and questioned about their human rights activities."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200812031018.html

12/3/08 Rape as Genocide

"'In this society if you rape one woman, you have raped the entire tribe" - so said one observer of the mass rape occurring in Darfur.

People hear the word genocide and think of six million victims of the Holocaust or an estimated 800,000 dead in Rwanda. They do not imagine that mass rape can be so well planned and targeted that it wipes out a substantial part of an ethnic group as thoroughly, though more slowly, than widespread killings. Yet three judges sitting on the International Criminal Court will decide soon whether to confirm an arrest warrant against a head of state, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan, on grounds that he masterminded rape as genocide against three ethnic groups in Darfur that have challenged his power.

The ICC's prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, has filed war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against Bashir. But the centerpiece of Moreno-Ocampo's application is the charge of rape as genocide "causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group" and "deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part." Such acts of genocide arising from rape rather than from murder can be prosecuted as stand-alone crimes before the International Criminal Court."
article: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/03/opinion/edscheffer.php

12/3/08 Thank you!

I would like to thank all of you who participated in our Letters of Hope program! Batch # 2 has been sent!
A special thanks to Mount Tabor High School and St. Agnes Catholic School.

12/3/08 Scream Bloody Murder

Just a reminder that CNN is broadcasting a genocide documentary called "Scream Bloody Murder" on December 4th. The CNN Presents Special will be hosted by Christine Amanpour.  It will highlight the courageous individuals that tried to raise the alarm on the Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Iraq's gassing of the Kurds, and Bosnia/Croatia. The show also includes interviews with survivors of Genocide.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/scream.bloody.murder/index.html

12/3/08 ICC Prosecutor: States must gear up for arrests

"Today, in his briefing to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Darfur, ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo called on States to prepare themselves “sooner rather than later” for the decision of the Judges on President Omar Hassan Al Bashir of the Sudan.  

“Massive crimes are being committed in Darfur now; they are taking place because President Bashir wills them to take place” said the Prosecutor.

“What can UNAMID do when those controlling its deployment are the same people ordering the crimes? How long are we going to just tally the casualties, the displacements and the rapes?” he asked. 

“If Security Council members can act together, the crimes will stop and millions of lives will be saved. If different interests prevent a strong and consistent position in support of the Court’s decisions, if they give room to false promises, rapes will continue, destruction will continue. An opportunity is coming. A united Security Council can make a difference” said the Prosecutor."...
article: http://www.icc-cpi.int/press/pressreleases/453.html

12/2/08 Rights Groups: Sudan Lying About Improvements in Darfur

"15 human rights organizations said in a joint report released Tuesday, the Sudanese government is lying about improvements in the situation in Darfur.

Human Rights Watch, Save Darfur Coalition and 13 other rights organizations said the Sudanese government continues to conduct large-scale military attacks against populated areas, harass aid workers, and allow impunity for the worst crimes committed in Darfur."
article: http://voanews.com/english/2008-12-02-voa23.cfm

11/26/08 Congocast launches Episode 15

http://www.congocast.org/episode15.php

11/26/08 Thank you 24!

I'd like to thank the writers and producers of the TV show 24 for the story line they have chosen for this season. From child soldiers in Africa, to war, to the blue helmets, to impending genocide and the typical political response to that, to even getting caught up in all the hooplah of a new president and yet reminding Americans that we cannot forget what else is happening over there... I was thoroughly impressed. I think it says a lot about a popular, award winning show bringing these atrocities to mainstream television. This will make more people aware in a whole different way. Nicely done.
http://www.fox.com/24/dossier/

11/24/08 Sudanese government announced that it had purchased 12 MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia.

"The MiG-29 is one of the world's leading air superiority fighters, developed to counter the U.S. Air Force F-15 and F-16 fighters.

This sale would normally proceed with minimal international notice, as major industrial nations export hundreds of advanced fighter jets every year. Yet, as news of this sale emerged, experts at the United Nations were raising questions about whether the jets would end up in use in Darfur, stoking a debate over all arms sales to the Sudanese government and the extension of the existing arms embargo to cover all sales of military equipment to Sudan."
article: http://www.genocideintervention.net/blog/2008/11/24/more_jets_and_more_questions_for_khartoum

11/24/08 UN Checks Charges of Government Bombing in Renewed Darfur Fighting

So much for a ceasefire...

"The joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has sent a team to verify allegations by the Sudan Liberation Army/Movement (SLA/M) of Government attacks on a village in South Darfur province following reports of renewed fighting in the war-torn region.
The team met the local SLA Commander who led then to the site where camels were allegedly stolen and children abducted in the attack on Abu Dengal, about 125 kilometres southeast of Nyala. The team was also taken to a site where four craters, two showing signs of explosions and another two containing unexploded bombs, were observed. "
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200811250093.html

11/21/08 ICC judges receive 700 pages of additional evidence on Bashir warrant

"The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) submitted to the judges last Monday more than 700 pages of additional supporting material on the his application requesting the issuance of an arrest warrant for Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir...
So far the ICC prosecutor has maintained a 100% success rate in all the requests for arrest warrants he previously made to the judges in the other cases handled by the court...
If the judges affirm Ocampo’s application Al-Bashir will be the first sitting head of state indicted while in office of war crimes.
article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article29352

11/20/08 International Criminal Court Prosecutor seeks charges against rebels in Darfur

"20 November 2008 – The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) today presented evidence against three rebel commanders for their role in last year’s deadly attack against peacekeepers in the war-ravaged Sudanese region of Darfur, vowing that he “will not let such attacks go unpunished.”
Some 1,000 rebels attacked the Haskanita camp in South Darfur state on 29 September 2007, killing 12 peacekeepers serving with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) – a predecessor to the joint UN-AU peacekeeping mission known as UNAMID – and wounding eight others."...
article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29019&Cr=darfur&Cr1=

11/20/08 UN Sends 3,000 more troops to Congo

"The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to send more than 3,000 additional troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo, bolstering a mission that is already its largest peacekeeping force in the world.

The resolution says the Security Council has "extreme concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation and in particular the targeted attacks against civilian population, sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers and summary executions."...
A coalition of 44 organizations in eastern Congo wrote to the Security Council on Tuesday, pleading for more troops urgently to support the 17,000 U.N. soldiers already there."
article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/20/congo.un.troops/index.html?eref=rss_world

11/20/08 Ben Affleck visits refugee camps in eastern Congo

"Ben Affleck is trying to draw more attention to the conflict in eastern Congo, touring refugee camps and consulting with aid workers in the region where at least 250,000 people have been displaced by recent fighting..
"I'm really glad that more people are paying more attention to (Congo) now but I'm really saddened that it's taken this uptick in violence to make that happen," Affleck said. "My hope in being here is primarily to bring attention to the fact that there's a real lack of (aid agencies) here, a real lack of money going to these folks."...
article: http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=340467&GT1=28101

11/18/08 DR Congo rebels claim new territorial advance

"GOMA, DR Congo (AFP) — Congolese rebel forces said Monday they had taken new territory and threatened more attacks against government troops as a UN envoy warned against expecting quick results from a peace mission.
A day after renegade general Laurent Nkunda said he wanted peace talks, his spokesman said the rebels had repelled the Democratic Republic of Congo army in the latest fighting and now controlled all the area around the town of Rwindi.
"Our troops control all of the Rwindi zone" in eastern Nord Kivu province, Nkunda spokesman Bertrand Bisimwa told AFP.
The UN's peacekeeping mission, MONUC, said the rebels had violated their own ceasefire in launching Sunday's attacks, in which peacekeepers found themselves caught in crossfire.
article: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hObZWVQ4DFJHApmRXprpirmaLQWQ

11/17/08 The Vigil/Rally & Tent event in DC made International news

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OGEHJdICbk

11/17/08 When is a Ceasefire not a Ceasefire

"On November 12, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir announced an immediate, unilateral ceasefire in Darfur. Unfortunately, two days later, rebels reported Sudanese government air attacks in North Darfur." ...
article: http://www.genocideintervention.net/blog/2008/11/17/when_is_a_ceasefire_not_a_ceasefire

Also, Please see Damanga's take on the issue: Posturing We Must Watch With Reservation

11/14/08

Since we were gone for a week, traveling for Tents of Hope and the Save Darfur Conference, and are still trying to catch up this week... We are a bit behind on the updates, and I still need to catch up on more than a week's worth of news and emails. 
In the meantime, you can find my report and details about the events here:
BTM Report on Save Darfur Conference and Tents of Hope, DC 11/08

Here is a video at the Sudanese Embassy rally/vigil of STAND marching over from across the street:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiScZZclBFA

11/12/08 Sudanese president announces immediate ceasefire in Darfur, militias disarmament

"I hereby announce our immediate unconditional ceasefire between the armed forces and warring factions provided that an effective monitoring mechanism be put into action and be observed by all involved parties," Omer Hassan Al-Bashir said.
The Sudanese president was speaking at the concluding session of the government-initiated Forum of the People of Sudan, which was attended by the Eritrean president Isaias Afeworki who arrived today in Khartoum.
He further called for "an immediate campaign to disarm the militias and restrict the use of weapons amongst armed forces," he said."
article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article29234

11/11/08 Goss to Force LRA Out of Sudan After November

"THE Government of South Sudan (GOSS) will attack the Lord's Resistance Army rebels if Joseph Kony does not sign the final peace agreement by the end of this month.
Martin Majut Yak, the director of presidential affairs in the South Sudan government, yesterday said his government had the capacity to "finish off" the LRA in seven days.
"We shall not allow them to continue attacking and killing our people. We will not tolerate the brutality," he told journalists in Kampala.
LRA leader Kony has twice failed to turn up for the signing of the final peace agreement with the Ugandan government
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200811120018.html

BTM WILL BE OUT OF THE OFFICE FOR TENTS OF HOPE UNTIL NOV. 12

11/3/08 U.N. aid convoy crosses rebel lines in Congo

"A 12-vehicle U.N. aid convoy rumbled past rebel lines Monday in eastern Congo, carrying medical supplies for clinics looted by retreating government troops. It was the first humanitarian aid delivery behind rebel lines since fighting broke out in August."
article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27511974/from/ET/

11/2/08 This is the daily Darfur Refugee Diet

Jeremiah and Eric (From Stop Genocide Now) will try to closely match the daily rations of a Darfur refugee.
Blog: http://www.stopgenocidenow.org/refugee-fast/2008/11/02/756

10/31/08 DR Congo refugee camps 'burned'

"The UN refugee agency says it has credible reports camps sheltering 50,000 refugees in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have been destroyed.
Reports suggest the camps were forcibly emptied and looted before being burned.
"There are some 50,000 people who were in those camps. We don't know where they would be, we're afraid that they may have just dispersed off into the bush,"
article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7702099.stm

10/30/08 How we fuel Africa's bloodiest war

"Every day I think about the people I met in the war zones of eastern Congo when I reported from there. The wards were filled with women who had been gang-raped by the militias and shot in the vagina. The battalions of child soldiers – drugged, dazed 13-year-olds who had been made to kill members of their own families so they couldn't try to escape and go home. But oddly, as I watch the war starting again on CNN, I find myself thinking about a woman I met who had, by Congolese standards, not suffered in extremis.
I was driving back to Goma from a diamond mine one day when my car got a puncture. As I waited for it to be fixed, I stood by the roadside and watched the great trails of women who stagger along every road in eastern Congo, carrying all their belongings on their backs in mighty crippling heaps. I stopped a 27 -year-old woman called Marie-Jean Bisimwa, who had four little children toddling along beside her. She told me she was lucky. Yes, her village had been burned out. Yes, she had lost her husband somewhere in the chaos. Yes, her sister had been raped and gone insane. But she and her kids were alive.
I gave her a lift, and it was only after a few hours of chat along on cratered roads that I noticed there was something strange about Marie-Jean's children. They were slumped forward, their gazes fixed in front of them. They didn't look around, or speak, or smile. 'I haven't ever been able to feed them,' she said. 'Because of the war.'
Their brains hadn't developed; they never would now. 'Will they get better?' she asked. I left her in a village on the outskirts of Goma, and her kids stumbled after her, expressionless.

There are two stories about how this war began – the official story, and the true story. The official story is that after the Rwandan genocide, the Hutu mass murderers fled across the border into Congo. The Rwandan government chased after them. But it's a lie. How do we know? The Rwandan government didn't go to where the Hutu genocidaires were, at least not at first. They went to where Congo's natural resources were – and began to pillage them. They even told their troops to work with any Hutus they came across. Congo is the richest country in the world for gold, diamonds, coltan, cassiterite, and more. Everybody wanted a slice – so six other countries invaded.
These resources were not being stolen to for use in Africa. They were seized so they could be sold on to us. The more we bought, the more the invaders stole – and slaughtered. The rise of mobile phones caused a surge in deaths, because the coltan they contain is found primarily in Congo. The UN named the international corporations it believed were involved: Anglo-America, Standard Chartered Bank, De Beers and more than 100 others. (They all deny the charges.) But instead of stopping these corporations, our governments demanded that the UN stop criticising them.
article: How we fuel Africa's bloodiest war

10/29/08 "eastern Congo is erupting again, as a new catastrophe befalls Goma"

Check out the article today by Nicholas Kristof and the letter he got from a friend in Goma.

"Sadly, Colonel Padiri’s 800 well armed and organized defense force holding Kibumba and Kabati did not last till lunch time. The FARDC are fleeing back into Goma, looting shops and taking vehicles to pack their loot in. They are probably heading for Bukavu. The population is fleeing with them, down from Kibumba and Kibati, and flooding into town."
article: Crisis in Congo

10/29/08 Darfur Camp Attacked

"Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir tends to be at his worst when the world is distracted. These days the U.S. is absorbed by the presidential election, Darfur fatigue has set in, and so he evidently feels a little freedom. So we’re seeing attacks on camps of displaced people, where Darfuris have sought protection and assistance after fleeing their villages.

Today I received this message from a Westerner active on Darfur issues:

As I write this, Kassab camp (North Darfur) home to 25,000 unarmed civilians and the location of DPDO’s women’s center is under attack by Janjaweed forces. I spent time in the camp and know many people there. What do we do? Rebel forces are too distant and under-equipped to defend Kassab. UNAMID has only a small presence there. Who will be dead tomorrow?

People often ask me if I find it impossibly depressing to go to Darfur and talk to the victims there. Yes, sometimes. But I find it just as depressing that five years into a genocide, the international community mumbles homilies about human rights and “never again” — even as camps like this are attacked without the world even noticing."
article: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/darfur-camp-attacked/

10/28/08 Humanitarian Efforts in Darfur Face Escalating War by Khartoum

"The long, brutal war of attrition directed at humanitarian aid efforts in Darfur is again accelerating, as Khartoum seeks to effect a permanently destructive status quo prior to further UNAMID deployment. These efforts are also meant to deter the ICC from issuing an arrest warrant for National Islamic Front regime head Omar al-Bashir.

The UN recently issued yet another report on humanitarian conditions in Darfur, noting in a long catalog of obstruction and harassment that for more than four months the Khartoum regime refused to allow entry to 5,000 metric tons of sugar bound for Darfur. What is the role of sugar in food aid to Darfur? Why is this obstruction of particular note? There is tremendous fear within the humanitarian community of expanding malnutrition, especially among children. In a desperate attempt to sustain children under five through the rainy season that ended earlier this month, UN World Food Program and nongovernmental humanitarian organizations focused with extraordinary intensity on this most vulnerable population group. A key part of their effort was a “Blanket Supplementary Feeding Program,” using as its primary tool a specially designed “premix” of foods. What goes into this “premix”? Corn-soya blend, dried skimmed milk…and sugar.

This delay in releasing a large quantity of a key ingredient in sustaining the lives of young children, largely from non-Arab or African tribal populations, was a direct assault on their ability to live---it represents another in a long and continuous history of genocidal actions by the NIF regime, going back to well before the outbreak of organized rebellion in Darfur in early 2003."
article: http://www.sudanreeves.org/Article227.html

10/28/08 3,600 More Peacekeepers for Darfur

"The United Nations expects that 3,600 more peacekeepers will be deployed in Sudan’s war-ravaged Western Darfur region by the end of the year, the United States special envoy to Sudan said Tuesday.
The United States has complained for months about the slow deployment of the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force, known as Unamid, which has a mandate for 26,000 troops and police officers. It is currently about 40 percent of that level."
article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/world/africa/29darfur.html

10/26/08 DR Congo rebels seize army camp

"Rebels fighting government troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo have captured a major army camp in the east of the country, UN peacekeepers say. The rebels have also taken control of the headquarters of Virunga national park, home to some of the world's last remaining mountain gorillas...
Residents are fleeing the area as the army attempts to recapture the base.
About 200,000 people have fled their homes since fighting resumed in the area in late August.
article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7691736.stm

In pictures: Thousands flee Congo fighting

See slideshow: BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7693828.stm

10/25/08 GULU WALK - TODAY!!!

http://www.wherewillyouwalk.com/

10/25/08 Plight of Darfur's displaced worse than ever

"Since 2004 until today, there has been no resolution. The problems have only gotten worse," said a sheikh at a camp for displaced people in Tawila, 50km west of El-Fasher, state capital of North Darfur. At the beginning of the conflict, he told IRIN, attacks – if intense – were few and far between. "But now, weekly, there is a problem here. Weekly, janjaweed [government-sponsored militias], weapons, rape, looting."
article: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=81028

Sudan Tribune: UN report shows security deteriorating sharply in Darfur

10/21/08 Breaking the Silence in Congo

"For a short while last week, The Times’ Jeffrey Gettleman managed to get attention back on one of the most appalling and gruesome tragedies of our time: the systematic rape of tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, in Eastern Congo. The New York Times held back from publishing the wickedest details of these events, which included {tragic details, see article}"
article: Calm in Kigali, Horror in Congo

http://www.friendsofthecongo.org/

10/21/08 The next Darfur?

"Conditions like those that produced the Darfur conflict exist today in Southern Kordofan state where prospects of a new Sudanese civil war are real.
the latest report from the International Crisis Group, examines the deteriorating situation in this strategic region between North and South, where both members of the Government of National Unity, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the National Congress Party (NCP), have been dangerously engaged in ethnic polarisation in advance of national elections scheduled for 2009. The kidnapping of nine Chinese oil workers in Southern Kordofan last week illustrates the volatility of the state.
article: Sudan: Southern Kordofan Problem - The Next Darfur?

10/21/08 UN says 40,000 displaced in last 2 months

"Some 40,000 civilians have been displaced in Darfur in the last two months by fighting between Sudanese government forces and rebels in the northern and central parts of the wartorn region, said the U.N. on Saturday...
"No emergency assistance has gotten to these people," said Alex. "For the last five or six weeks, they have been living off assistance they are getting from other people ... or what they can scrounge for."
article: AP

10/21/08 Raise Hope for Congo

I turned on CNN this morning and they just happened to be doing a piece on Congo. I was thrilled and it was a descent piece too.
The Enough Project enlisted Dayle Haddon, a UNICEF Ambassador to go to Congo. She is helping to raise awareness for Raise Hope for Congo
article: CNN
Also check out: One Congolese woman's silent scream is heard
"My image of the Congolese women is that of a scream," Salbi said. "But there is no sound coming from the scream because the world is not hearing it."
That's because the victims are women, she said...
"We are numb," she said. "If I said hundreds and thousands of men were being raped in the Congo, the world would be outraged."...

"I interviewed a man who said that whenever he entered another man's house and that man did not have a gun and he had a gun, he never questioned whether he had the right to rape the man's wife or not,"

"It is one thing to have been through what I have been through, but to have no one acknowledge it enhances the pain threefold," she said.
"To suffer in silence is the greatest suffering."

10/17/08 Bashir war crimes charges delayed

I'm not going to bother telling you the thought that came into my brain when I read this...
"Judges at the International Criminal Court have asked for more evidence before deciding whether to issue an arrest warrant against Sudan's leader."
article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7675381.stm

10/17/08 Sudan launches Darfur peace effort, rebels boycott

"Government officials said the various Sudanese parties that are part of the initiative will hammer out recommendations on how to resolve the conflict next week.
Darfur rebels said Bashir was merely trying to avoid the issuing of an ICC arrest warrant by showing the world he was trying to resolve the conflict.
"They just want to gain time," said Abdel-Wahed Mohamed el-Nur, head of one faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM). "They want to show that there is a peace process ... but the fact on the ground is that they are killing people."
article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LG263997.htm

10/14/08 You MUST read this interview with Bashir
Bashir: "MASS RAPE DOES NOT EXIST"

"During this interview, al Bashir’s approach was to deny any wrongdoing altogether, claiming that the killings and mass rapes are all rebel lies. Al Bashir even went as far as to deny the existence of rape itself in Darfurian culture, claiming there is no DNA evidence that janjaweed or Sudanese government soldiers ever committed rape."
- "Anything saying that we ordered killing people is untrue."
- "We are fully convinced that no rape took place."
- "The Darfurian society does not have rape. It’s not in the tradition."
- "The implementation of the peace agreement with the south is fine. Now even in Darfur, you can say most of it is safe. There are no problems and life is very normal. In the media it’s boiling, but in the field it’s not."
See transcript: http://blogfordarfur.org/2008/10/14/al-bashir-interview/
See News article about interview: Al-Bashir, A big man of Africa?

10/14/08 Zawadi's horrific story **{Graphic details}**

I'll be adding this to our "know their stories" page.

"Zawadi Mongane was abducted by Interahamwe militia (from Rwanda) in eastern Congo with a group of 50 others, half of whom were family members. Zawadi describes how the militia killed all but two of the group and how she was raped and forced to hang her own baby."

After Zawadi was abducted, she watched them kill her children, then 19 of them raped her, then put a rope around her baby and made her hang her own baby. Then they told her brother to rape her and because he would not, they cut off his head.
Hear her interview here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7657000/7657774.stm

Update:
BBC listeners joined together to give Zawadi a better life.
Courage of a Congo survivor

10/13/08 **Sudanese Arrest Militia Leader**

"The Sudanese government has arrested one of the most wanted men in the country, a notorious janjaweed militia leader charged by an international court with orchestrating mass murder in Darfur"...
Human Rights groups have said that the militia leader, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman — also known as Ali Kushayb and the “colonel of colonels” — personally led attacks on civilians and ordered entire villages to be burned to the ground and the women in them raped."...
article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/14/world/africa/14darfur.html

10/12/08 Congo-Kinshasa: Are Rwanda And DRC Setting the Stage for War?

"Alarm bells were ringing loudly last week when Congo's representative to the United Nations, Ateku Ineka, claimed that DRC authorities had seen concentrations of Rwandan troops gathering at the border...
Clearly, eastern Congo is on the brink of a major humanitarian catastrophe..."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200810120023.html

10/9/08 Sudan makes case abroad while still bombing Darfur

""The government said it was only looking for rebels. It said it didn't want to harm the people,"... "But the rebels are out in the mountains, not in the village."
To the outside world, Sudan's government sings a different tune, claiming since July ...– that the prosecution of its leader would jeopardize the peace process. But as the situation on the ground here grows worse, Darfuris are asking: "What peace process are you talking about?"...
"How will the ICC hamper the peace process? What peace process?" asked one international observer in Darfur. "I don't see anything happening."
article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20081009/ts_csm/owhatpeace_1

10/9/08 Shipment of arms to S. Sudan

"A recent chain of events-more likely to appear in a Hollywood movie than real-life-involving Somali pirates and an ill-fated Ukrainian freighter has exposed a shipment of arms on its way to southern Sudan. ..
A resolution between the pirates and international authorities over the captured vessel is expected soon. However, questions over the influx of arms into Sudan remain.
article: GI Net Blog

10/9/08 Cutting off Birth control to Africa

"In some parts of Africa, a woman now has a 1-in-10 risk of dying in childbirth. The idea that U.S. policy may increase that toll is infuriating. "
article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/09/opinion/09kristof.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

10/9/08 DR Congo rebels capture army base

"Forces loyal to rebel leader Laurent Nkunda have taken a major army base in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UN peacekeepers have confirmed."
article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7660592.stm

10/8/08 From Save Darfur (Action)

"Last night, both Senator McCain and Senator Obama spoke with conviction about ending the genocide in Darfur IIt was an important moment for everyone who cares about stopping the violence and bringing peace and protection to the people of Darfur. We need bold action on Darfur from the next president. And so Americans from all backgrounds, parties, and faiths are adding their voices together and signing postcards calling on the next president to act. I added my voice—will you? Be a voice for Darfur by clicking the link below"

http://www.addyourvoice.org/

10/8/08 Child Soldiers and Slave Trave

Please check out this extremely inspiring site http://callandresponse.com/home.html

"CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined."

Click on a logo to personalize an email to that company demanding that you want a guarantee that their products are SLAVE FREE
http://chainstorereaction.com/

10/8/08 Darfur an Issue in Second Presidential Debate

...Doctrine for use of force when there aren't national security issues at stake..

Senator Obama: "...it's so important for us to be able to work in concert with our allies.
Let's take the example of Darfur just for a moment.  We could be providing logistical support, setting up a no-fly zone at relatively little cost to us, but we can only do it if we can help mobilize the international community and lead."
Senator McCain: "And we must do whatever we can to prevent genocide, whatever we can to prevent these terrible calamities that we have said never again."
article: GI NET Blog

10/7/08 Timetable towards full deployment of hybrid force

"The “severely stretched” United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur, which has struggled to find enough countries willing to supply troops and equipment, should now reach two-thirds of its full deployment by the end of this year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today."
article: UN News Center

10/7/08 5,000+ Congolese arrive in Sudan after LRA attacks

"At least 5,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have arrived in South Sudan in the past two weeks after fleeing "ferocious" attacks by the notorious Ugandan rebel group, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA)"
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200810070918.html

10/3/08 New Law on Child Soldiers

"Under a new law signed today by US President George W. Bush, leaders of military forces and armed groups who have recruited child soldiers may be arrested and prosecuted in the United States, Human Rights Watch said today. The law could apply to leaders of dozens of forces that have recruited and used child soldiers in over 20 armed conflicts."
article: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/10/03/usint19912.htm

10/3/08 Biden, Palin and Genocide

"the most striking and historic moment in the debate came when they were asked about Darfur. For generations, American leaders have waffled on genocide"...
article: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/biden-palin-and-genocide/

To read transcripts from their answers on Darfur in the debates last night, check out:
http://blogfordarfur.org/2008/10/03/darfur-in-last-nights-vp-debate/

Hundreds of Congolese flee attacks by notorious rebels (10/01)

"About 1,200 Congolese have sought shelter in southern Sudan in recent days to escape brutal attacks by members of the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) that have included the abduction of children and the torching of homes, the United Nations refugee agency reported today."
article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=28395&Cr=LRA&Cr1=

Senate Passes Darfur Resolution (9/25/08)

"As Congress prepares to adjourn prior to the November elections, the Senate has passed an important resolution, S. Res. 684, which demonstrates the continued resolve of Congress to ensure that the U.S. Government remains dedicated to ending the conflict in Darfur. The resolution reaffirms Congress’ 2004 finding that genocide is occurring in Darfur, and highlights the need for a just and inclusive peace process, the full deployment of UNAMID, and the free flow of humanitarian aid....
A similar resolution, H. Con. Res. 423 has been introduced in the House by Representative Mark Kirk. While Congress clearly has many items on its plate this week, it should be commended for finding time to once again show its determination to find a solution to the conflict in Darfur."
article: http://blogfordarfur.org/2008/09/25/senate-passes-darfur-resolution/

9/28/08 From a friend with Run for Congo Women

"The attacks by the LRA in the far Northeastern Congo have continued to intensify in recent
weeks.  Our local Portland organizer, Francisca Thelin, has just received word that 4 of her cousins have
been murdured, their teenage daughter and son have been kidnapped by the LRA, and her aunt and uncle
are missing.  The locals are reporting that no protections at all are being extended by the MONUC
(UN peacekeepking forces) in the area, or by the 5,000 Congolese Army troops that have been sent in. .."

Tourist Abduction part II (9/30/08)

See my note below and then check out this article:
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-30-voa36.cfm

9/24/08 Regarding the tourist abduction in Egypt...

I knew as soon as I heard about the abduction in Egypt that it was probably linked to the conflict in Sudan since Egypt is so "in bed" with the Sudanese government. Sure enough, Egypt is implying blame on rebel groups in Sudan for this, which just makes no sense to begin with, but offers them new material to work with the Sudanese government. Damanga has put out a great report explaining this sutation.
article: Damanga
And WHY the false report about them being released?
"Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Egyptian Foreign Minister, said last night that all 19 had been released “safe and sound”. But officials in Cairo later said that this was not the case. “It is premature to say they are released. The negotiations are continuing,” a Cabinet spokesman said."
article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article4804507.ece

9/22/08 Half Strength Political Will

"After billions spent, countless hours of debate, and an endless stream of tough words, it is deplorable that the most powerful nations in the world can muster only a ‘half-strength force’ to protect Darfuri civilians. The U.N. has now admitted what has long been clear: the previous promise to deploy 80 percent of the UNAMID force by December will not be kept.  Even the new, reduced goal of 50 percent seems a stretch.  Vitally needed helicopters, trucks and logistics are nowhere in sight."
article: http://blogfordarfur.org/2008/09/19/half-strength-political-will/

9/22/08 Is Darfur Invisible?

"After five and a half years of genocidal predations in Darfur, it may appear that nothing is being done to end the crisis. This would be a correct assumption, both in terms of political response and in terms of media coverage. "
article: http://trainforhumanity.org/2008/09/is-darfur-invisible/

Note: I will be adding Train for Humanity to my grassroots list. Please check out their cause!

9/22/08 Sudan lobbies against Bashir case

"Sudan has started lobbying the UN to block an investigation into alleged war crimes in Darfur by the Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir. Other African countries are expected to call for the case to be suspended."...
article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7630071.stm

REMINDER: TXT 4 PEACE

"To encourage even greater awareness of this important Day, the United Nations is encouraging people around the world to send text messages for peace on or before 21 September. UN offices in several countries are organizing campaigns. Messages collected by the UN will be presented to world leaders gathering in New York for the 63rd General Assembly from 23 September."
http://www.un.org/events/peaceday/2008/

9/19/08 Fighting severely restricts humanitarian access in Sudan’s North Darfur – UN

"Fresh fighting between Government and rebel forces in the north of Sudan's war-torn Darfur region has severely restricted the delivery of critical aid amid unconfirmed reports that thousands more people have been driven from their homes, the United Nations said today."
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200809191027.html

9/19/08 Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army rebels have carried out a surprise attack on a military base in southern Sudan.

"There are also separate reports of LRA raids on three villages just over the nearby border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The fighting broke out despite pledges by the rebels that they would sign a peace deal with the Ugandan government.
The BBC's Africa analyst David Bamford says instability in the region appears to be growing as moves to persuade LRA leaders to sign the agreement falter."
article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7625515.stm

9/18/08 British official denies plans to freeze ICC indictment of Sudan’s Bashir

"The United Kingdom has no plans of supporting a suspension of the International Criminal Court (ICC) indictment against Al-Bashir, a senior British official said today.
Last week the Guardian newspaper published a report saying that the British and French governments will back efforts in the UN to stall the issuance of an arrest warrant for Al-Bashir.
The newspaper said that officials from both capitals informed human rights activists that they have taken this stance to protect the peace process in Darfur and Southern Sudan.
“There was a rather inaccurate press story about this last weekend” Lord Malloch Brown UK Foreign Office Minister for Africa said yesterday during forum at the Frontline Club in London."
article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28664

9/18/08 Young people making a difference

"Yet at the same time that “leaders” have provided zero moral leadership, there has actually been a surprising amount of leadership coming from young people. University campuses, backed by organizations like STAND, have been very active on Darfur, and high school students have started and expanded groups like Dollars for Darfur.
I’m also impressed that students haven’t just protested — although certainly protest is sorely needed — but have also taken a variety of actions to help victims. Here is one example of high school students who are actually working to start a school for Sudanese kids."
article: By Nicholas Kristof

9/16/08 From American Jewish World Service

"Just yesterday, Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) introduced a resolution (S. Res. 660) calling for an expansion of the U.N. arms embargo on Sudan. This legislation is a critical step toward stopping the arms flow fueling the genocide in Darfur. We need your help to make sure it passes.
According to a 2005 U.N. Security Council resolution, the government of Sudan may not transfer any weapons into Darfur without prior approval from the Security Council. Despite Khartoum’s brazen defiance of this requirement, countries like China continue to sell weapons to Sudan.
As the flow of weapons into Darfur continues unabated, it is clear that the current arms embargo is not working. The Senate resolution calls on all states to end arms sales to any armed actor in Sudan and urges the U.S. to seek an expansion of the arms embargo to cover all of Sudan, not just Darfur.
Please call your senators today to ensure their support of this bipartisan bill.
Thank you again for standing with the people of Darfur."

9/15/08 Resurgence of Fighting in the Eastern DRC

"Over the last two weeks, reports out of the eastern DR Congo indicate that the Congolese government and the General Laurent Nkunda's CNDP militia may be on the march back to war. This renewed fighting violates the terms of January's Goma peace agreement and risks plunging the east of the country back into open warfare. As of this morning, it was unclear whether fighting continued, but we do know that recent battles have displaced at least 100,000 people in North Kivu alone."
article: Resurgence of Fighting in the Eastern DRC

9/15/08 Thousands flee heavy Darfur fighting - aid groups

"Thousands of villagers have been forced to flee their homes after more than a week of heavy clashes between Sudanese forces and rebels in North Darfur, aid sources said on Monday."...
article: Thousands flee heavy Darfur fighting

9/15/08 Britain now joins the pack to let Al Bashir off the hook

"Britain is playing a key role in efforts to block the prosecution of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for the carnage in Darfur.
Human rights activists yesterday accused the government of a 'shocking abdication' of its commitment to justice after it emerged that Britain is backing moves by Libya, the Arab League and several African countries to halt the indictment of Bashir by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague."
article: Britain blocks prosecution of Sudan's ruler

Britain & France will support freezing indictment of Sudan president:
The British and French government will back efforts in the UN to stall the issuance of an arrest warrant for Sudan president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir, the Guardian reported today.
article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28618

Amnesty International has Background Information on the ICC and Darfur
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Jerry Fowler, President of the Save Darfur Coalition, is traveling to the UK to meet with the UK Minister for Africa, and is taking several prominent Human Rights activists from the UK, including high ranking officials from Amnesty International UK and Human Rights Watch UK. Jerry is going to try to persuade UK officials to reverse their decision.
You can see a video of Darfuri civil society leaders saying how important the ICC investigation is as well as send an email to President Bush by going to their blog."
http://blogfordarfur.org/2008/09/10/darfuris-speak-about-icc-charges/.

9/15/08 Save Darfur (ACTION)

"The presidential candidates have pledged to pursue an end to the Darfur genocide with "unstinting resolve."We're going to hold our next president to his promise by uniting one million people to declare with one voice: The next president must make Darfur a Day One priority.
Sign the postcard now urging the president-elect to keep his pledge—and take decisive action to help end the genocide.
Add Your Voice

9/14/08 Congo-Kinshasa: Rape Survivors Break Silence At UN-Organized Event

"The day-long programme in the eastern city of Goma is part of a joint campaign - "Stop Raping Our Greatest Resource, Power to Women and Girls in DRC" - organized by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls. "It's a historic occasion in the Democratic Republic of Congo in that for the first time women survivors are publicly speaking out on the situation of sexual violence," UNICEF spokesperson Jaya Murthy said in an interview with UN Radio."
article: Rape Survivors Break Silence

9/13/08 Sudanese army 'bombing N Darfur'

"Darfur rebels claim government forces have launched more ground and air attacks on their positions and villages in North Darfur."
article: Sudanese army 'bombing N Darfur'

International Day of Peace is September 21

http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/
http://www.pinwheelsforpeace.com/

9/12/08 Thank you GI Net!

Genocide Intervention Network featured Letters of Hope on their blog today.  Please check it out here:
http://www.genocideintervention.net/blog/2008/09/12/letters_of_hope
We will be updating the Letters page soon with the added partner in Project Education Sudan who will be delivering letters to their schools in Sudan. We need to get Round 2 of the letters completed by Dec. 1.

9/12/08 Some great links

Nuba Water Project Photos from Khartoum and Nuba Mountains
Eat So they Can
Dry Tears
Petition from one.org

9/11/08 Invisible Children launches GO!

Invisible Children has made tremendous strides for the people of Uganda. They provide jobs for people in IDP camps through their bracelet campaign and are helping children go to school, and provide books. Their "Schools for Schools" program has raised over 3 million to rebuild schools in Northern Uganda.
HELP RESTORE HOPE IN NORTHERN UGANDA!
Check out this amazing video: GO

9/11/08 Genocide by Denial

"In a new book, Genocide by Denial: How Profiteering from HIV/AIDS Killed Millions, Dr Peter Mugyenyi tells the story of the AIDS epidemic in Uganda from its frontlines: hospitals, orphanages, graveyards, witch doctors' homes – everywhere but from a drug supply cupboard."
http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=80278

9/11/08 Sudan militiamen kill 5 IDPs in attack on North Darfur camp - rebels

"Officials from Justice and Equality Movement and Sudan Liberation Movement told Sudan Tribune that pro-government militiamen, Janjaweed, had attacked today evening at 06:30pm Zamzam camp, killing five displaced and wounded dozens others...
They also said that this attack comes in line with President Omer Al-Bashir statements that displaced should forcibly quit the camps...
Last month Sudanese troops killed more than thirty IDPs in the volatile camps of Kalma in South Darfur...
WESTERN DARFUR BOMBING CONTINUES:
In another development, Al-Nur said Sudanese military Gunship helicopters and Antonov planes bombed today Amar Jadid and Tarni locations in eastern Jebel Mara.
He added that the aerial attack destroyed the Tarni school. He also said civilians suffered causalities and figures would be available soon."
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28580

9/10/08 NEW attacks in Darfur by military

"On September 10th the government of Sudan launched new attacks on ZamZam Camp for internally displaced persons. Many of those who were injured and killed were already forced to flee their homes one, two or three times. This attack comes a week after an attack on Kalma Camp by government troops.
http://www.stopgenocidenow.org/actions/2008/09/10/746

09/08/08 Sudan Controls Towns in Darfur

"Sudan – Rebel groups reported on Monday that, after two days of battles, Sudanese armed forces took control of towns in North Darfur."
http://www.impunitywatch.com/impunity_watch_africa/2008/09/sudan-controls.html

9/08/08 Ditto Gallery - Exhibit Darfur

Refer back to my post from 8/29.

"The exhibit has been such a success, that it will be traveling, to be used for education, advocacy, fundraising, and/or awareness.  If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting Exhibit Darfur in your city please contact me at jeffs@gristudios.com."
See Ditto Gallery's official photos: http://www.dittogallery.com/edpics/

9/06/08 Sudanese government attacks rebel bases

"Sudanese forces launched ground and air attacks on at least three rebel positions in North Darfur today, killing an unknown number of people, insurgent groups said."
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0906/breaking42.htm

BTM will be out of the office. Updates will resume 9/11.

9/05/08 Don't Let Bashir Escape Justice

Send a message to President Bush, and tell him the US must oppose and veto any attempt to suspend the case against al-Bashir.
http://action.savedarfur.org/campaign/article16/i85xdxd2075bx76d?

9/05/08 Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain’s message to the refugees

http://www.stopgenocidenow.org/home/2008/09/05/745

9/04/08 No peacekeepers deployed near Darfur camp that was attacked last week

"Darfur Internally Displaced People (IDPs) at Kalma camp in South Darfur said there are no peacekeepers deployed near the camps to protect civilians and prevent government troops from attacking them again.
Yesterday the hybrid mission said that it decided to deploy, on a permanent basis, a joint force of the UNAMID Military and Police, following fears that the camp could be once again raided by the government troops.
However, Darfur IDPs spokesperson, Hussein Abu Sharati said they didn’t notice any peacekeepers deployed near the camp where he lives. He further said they had been told by the deputy head of the hybrid operation that UNAMID could be able to protect them within some months.
article: No peacekeepers

9/03/08 Darfur, fears of a new attack

"Sudanese forces accused of killing more than 30 people in a raid on a Darfur camp have started to build up their position outside the settlement, raising fears of a new attack"
"The joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force, known as Unamid, said a patrol had seen Sudanese police erecting tents at a new base close to the Kalma camp for displaced people in south Darfur."
article: UN: Sudan forces build up outside Darfur camp

9/02/08 Some great new photos from Darfur

Nicholas Kristof mentioned in his latest article, "Mia Farrow is just back from a stay on the Chad-Darfur border, and she has her regular updates on her blog. She traveled with a recent Harvard Law graduate, Bec Hamilton, who took lots of photos and set up a slideshow gallery that anybody can visit. The photos will give you a good idea of the refugee situation in Chad for Darfuris."

The gallery has some really great photos. Please click on the slideshow link above.

9/02/08 UN launches campaign to text message for peace

The United Nations launched a text messaging for peace campaign today, urging cell phone users in the United States to compose peace messages to be published on a website and delivered to world leaders gathered for the General Assembly later this month.
One of the events promoting the International Day of Peace, held on 21 September to observe “a day of ceasefire and non-violence”, encourages US cell phone users to send 160-character text messages starting with the word ‘PEACE’ to phone number 69866."
article: text for peace

09/02/08 Congo-Kinshasa: 15 Aid Workers, Two Crew Killed in Plane Crash Near Bukavu

""There were no survivors," Amy Cathey, base manager for Air Serv International in the town of Goma, told reporters.
"We don't yet have the official [passenger] list so we don't know the nationality of the passengers or the organisations they worked for," said Christophe Illemasene, spokesman for MONUC, the UN Mission in DRC."
article: Plane crash in Congo

8/29/08 My report on the Exhibit Darfur opening at Ditto Gallery

We recently had the pleasure of attending Exhbit Darfur in Denver. It was an amazing night with inspiring speakers and gifted photography. We were introduced to many great organizations and fighters for the cause.
You can check out the details on my report here: Exhibit Darfur Event

Also, please note that I have added a few new links to the grassroots section:

2011 Photo Project
Nuba Water Project
Project Education Sudan
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP!

8/28/08 Report on Congolese living in Fear

This is an interesting and extensive report on people in Congo living in fear and expressing their own views on justice and peace. Try to imagine if this was you.
Report: Congo-Kinshasa: Justice or Peace? War Victims Speak
Some interesting bits:
- 93 % reported income less than US $2/day. 85% report income less than US $1/day. 22% reported no income.
- Page 28 shows a graph of issues and how they rank in importance. The highest rated issue was PEACE at 50%, Then (in this order) security, money, education, Food/water, health and so on.
- See page 31 for percentages on their sense of safety.
- Page 32 shows their opinion on where they get protection from: (exampe is from N. Kivu)
National Congo army 25%, God/Jesus 44%, Police 8%, nobody 6.9%, MONUC 6.2%, government 3.8 & 1.3%, family/friends 2%, militia .4%
- Page 37: Lack of water/food 87%, Lack of housing 74%, lack of healthcare 83%, house destroyed 66%, livestock stolen 76%, land stolen 54%
- Page 38: Disappearance of household member 60%, enslaved 53%, abducted 48%, beaten 46%, tortured 36%, wounded 32%, arrested 31%,
- Page 39: violent death of household member 42%, violent death of family or friend 61%, death to malnutrition or disease 56%

8/27/08 Sudanese security forces attack IDP camp in Darfur

"An estimated 64 people were killed and 117 others wounded as a result of (Monday’s) exchange of gunfire inside the Kalma camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Darfur state, according to information provided to UNAMID staff who later visited the site.
article: UN mission in Darfur condemns ‘excessive’ use of force at displaced camp

No Updates 8/22-8/26, BTM out of office for an event

8/21/08 Egypt: Deadly journey through the desert

"We fled from death but death is after us; we don't know what is happening to our relatives back home in camps for the displaced. Staying there would have been better than what happened to us”
A Sudanese refugee from the Darfur region who attempted to cross the border of Egypt with Israel and served a one year prison sentence in Egypt"

Basically, Darfuris seeking refuge in Egypt will be shot if they are caught crossing the border.

"Instead of instructing the border guards not to use excessive force, the Egyptian authorities have arrested on charges of “attempting to exit unlawfully the Egyptian eastern border” and tried more than 1,300 sub-Saharan refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants before military courts which flout international standards for fair trial.
Other refugees, asylum seekers and migrants have been forcibly returned to possible torture. In August 2007, 48 people who had managed to cross the border were forcibly returned to Egypt by the Israeli authorities; according to reports, around 20 of them were then forcibly returned from Egypt to Sudan without having been given access to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees office to assess their asylum claims. The fate of the others remains unknown.
article: Deadly journey through the desert

8/20/08 DR Congo: UN peacekeepers deployed to east after rebel attacks

"United Nations peacekeepers and soldiers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been jointly deployed in the eastern provinces of Ituri and Orientale to protect civilians after attacks by the rebel group known as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)."
article: LRA in DRC

8/20/08 CONGO: Government sets sights on infant mortality

"According to a 2005 demographic and health survey, 781 of every 100,000 births resulted in the death of the mother. The same survey showed the infant and juvenile mortality rates to be 75 and 117 per thousand respectively. The survey also showed that there had been no improvement in these indicators since 1990."
article: Government sets sights on infant mortality

8/19/08 Amnesty says Sudan preparing new courts over rebels attack

"Sudan formed three "Anti-Terrorism Special Courts" to try alleged rebels charged of waging war against the state and the illicit use of weapons after an attack by the Justice and Equality Movement on May 10. Some 38 defendants were sentenced to death by the courts.
Amnesty International Monday said that the Sudanese government holds hundreds of people – including women and a nine-month-old – without charge or access to lawyers. Further the rights organisation said that Khartoum prepare to try another 109 defendants in the special courts.
"Many are still unaccounted for and Amnesty International has received reports of torture and ill-treatment from people who were released and fears those still detained are at high risk of torture or that they have been disappeared." Amnesty said."
article: Sudan Tribune & Amnesty International

8/18/08 Sudanese President entrusted to head Darfur national conference

"The national unity government main partners agreed to choose President Omer al-Bashir as chairman of a national conference to resolve Darfur conflict...
The initiative intends to bring justice for Darfur people, fight the violence and to restore security in the region, he said. Adding, it also should adopt a plan to reconstruct and develop the economy of the three states in Darfur.
The conference also should tackle the humanitarian aspect of the crisis including the issue of security, repatriation of the displaced and refugees to their villages after receiving their due compensations."

Comments by readers posted on this article:

- "Now the lion is supposed to oversee the security of the gazelles! History in the making in terms of absurdity and unpracticality! "
- "One thing is clear though, Bashir is beginning to feel some heat about the Darfur issue. Gone are the days of the rhetoric of not yielding to external pressure.It’s no longer a government of Sudan’s problem, it is Bashir’s and he must do something to save his neck."
article: Sudanese President entrusted to head Darfur national conference

8/15/08 Media Alert

60 Minutes – re-airing “War Against Women” with Anderson Cooper
Sunday, August 17, 7:00pm ET

8/15/08 Final Day for Darfur Olympics

Please check out Mia Farrow's final video message for the Darfur Olympics

Also check out 24 hours for Darfur

8/15/08 A Letter from a Fur woman to Sudan

Please check out the poem/letter by Ahmed Elzobier on Sudan Tribune.

8/14/08 Protect the women of Darfur (ACTION)

"The women in Darfuri refugee camps regularly fall prey to a targeted campaign of rape encouraged by the Sudanese government.
Peacekeepers have tried to protect women, but they have failed because they are short of resources and stretched too thin to do the job.
Fill out the form to call on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to act on behalf of the women of Darfur by pushing for full UNAMID deployment.

8/14/08 Ask Congress to Support Peace in the D.R. Congo (ACTION)

"On August 1st, the BBC reported that the "Government forces and rebel troops are rearming and recruiting for conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo."  In addition, Laurent Nkunda, leader of the rebel group National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) is recruiting not only in the eastern Congo, but also in Rwanda and Burundi. 
In July, in a 10-day mission in the war torn territories of Masisi and Rutshuru in eastern Congo, Human Rights Watch documented that CNDP and many other rebel groups continue to slaughter civilians. "In Gashavu village on April 20, CNDP combatants arrested and tied up four men and a 12-year-old boy and then beat them to death with large sticks. Six other civilians were abducted, including a woman and a 15-year-old girl," said Human Rights Watch."...  
Click here to ask your representatives in Congress to act today to prevent an increase in violence in Congo. 

8/14/08 Japan grants Sudan $5.8m for child health programme

"The funds will be used to provide an essential package of primary health care services, benefiting some 5.5 million people.
Since the signing of the 2005 peace agreement, UNICEF and partners such as WHO support the vaccination of 8.9 million children against polio, 3.5 million children against measles, as well as distributing 910,000 bed nets to protect families from malaria...
However less than one-third of children in Sudan are immunized against all the major diseases, more than half of women are not protected against neo-natal tetanus, and less than one-fifth of families have access to bed nets to protect against malaria."
article: Japan grants Sudan $5.8m for child health programme

8/13/08 Rebels Describe New Government Attacks in Darfur

"The Sudan Liberation Army rebel group says the Sudanese army has launched a new offensive in northern Darfur.
Suleiman Marajan, a commander for a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army, says a convoy of 270 government vehicles on Tuesday attacked rebel positions near Atron, in the north of Darfur, near the border with Libya.
"The situation now in North Darfur, is very terrible,"...
"After the letter from the ICC, Omar al-Bashir is now going to start a new war in Darfur," he said. "Because he wants to control all the area and say to the international community, no SLA, no JEM, no anything, now we have got a peace by force."
article: New attacks in Darfur

8/13/08 Darfur Commander Appeals for Helicopters

""Unfortunately, we were sent to the boxing ring with our hands tied behind us," said General Agwai...
It lacks two heavy logistic elements, one transport company, one civilian aircraft and most critically, six attack helicopters and 18 utility and transport helicopters.
"Nobody has made an offer of that," ...
A recent report from an aviation expert, that was widely accepted as authoritative, said more than 20 countries have surplus aircraft that could meet the needs of the Darfur peacekeepers. Asked why he thought no one was offering, General Agwai pointed to the report's assertion that some countries simply do not want to get drawn into the Darfur crisis."
article: Darfur Commander Appeals for Helicopters

8/13/08 Shoes for Darfur

CANDLES Holocaust Museum in Indiana is teaming up with Samaritan's Feet to collect new shoes for Darfur.

"We are working with Samaritan's Feet to collect 1,000,000 pairs of shoes for all the barefoot kids in Darfur!"
Check out their links if you'd like to participate."

8/12/08 *PricewaterhouseCoopers donates $4 million to educate Darfur's refugees*

"PricewaterhouseCoopers has donated US$4 million towards the education of refugee children in eastern Chad's camps, in the single largest corporate donation ever received by the UN refugee agency.
The firm, also known as PwC, presented UNHCR with a cheque for US$4 million in New York on Monday. The funds will be used to build and operate schools for refugee children who have fled the conflict in Darfur, western Sudan. Specifically, more than 20,000 children aged between six and 14 years in the refugee camps of Iridimi, Touloum and Am Nabak in eastern Chad will have access to education in a safe learning environment. The children and their teachers will receive a daily meal. Teacher training and school supplies will also be provided."
article: $4 million donation

8/12/08 Congo's former "Triangle of Death" becomes source of hope again

Nice to have some good news in Congo.

"the UNHCR-GTZ project now aims to construct roads, bridges, shelters, water points and other facilities to make it possible for displaced people and returned refugees to rebuild their lives after spending many years in exile in neighbouring countries. Implementation of the project in 39 villages began in March 2007, helping more than 10,000 families.
Last year the programme also trained 45 carpenters and built 305 houses. More than 300 people also received bicycles, breeding cows and seeds for cash crops to allow them to make money and support themselves. Other credit and savings schemes are helping farmers start commercial agricultural activities.
The project has already rehabilitated 54 kilometres of feeder roads, built eight bridges and constructed 10 wells to allow people to move more freely and sell their produce in markets."
article: Congo's new hope

8/12/08 Darfur Olympics

Check out the video for day 5 of Mia Farrow in Darfur. She talks to the Darfuris about thei opinions on the ICC indictment, and the issue of peace vs. justice.

Day 5 of 8: Justice for the Darfurian People?

8/11/08 Congocast Blog

I am always interested in the blog updates on congocast. I hope you will check out the latest one.
they have a good way of not only bringing you into their reality and reminding you of these women and their stories, but they are able to make you realize that these are not just a bunch of women sitting in huts waiting to be attacked, these are women that used to have 'normal' lives, with husbands and families, and jobs, etc. Sometimes it's easy to forget or to just try not to imagine what their life could be, or used to be. I urge you to know their stories.
..."It was their stories of life before the war that started to chip away at my bricks.  Jeorgette was married in a church - just like me.  Vumilia had had a business, her husband was a merchant.  Joni was a pastor’s wife.  Faida’s husband had worked for a company as the local manager.   They sounded like my friends, my family.. like me."...
Read BLOG

8/11/08 INTERVIEW: ICC prosecutor dismisses Sudan special courts on Darfur

This is a great interview with Ocampo
article: Interview with Ocampo

8/11/08 Sudan expert accuses UN official of concealing information on Darfur

Sudan Tribune's article on Eric Reeves accusations: Concealing information on Darfur
Eric Reeves article: Victims of Genocide in Darfur: Past, Present, and Future

“As one Darfur refugee put it to me, ‘There is no justice in Sudan. If there was, we would not be here.’”

Interesting...
"The real question remains one that Jean-Marie Guéhenno was asking months ago, and which has no less obvious an answer at present than it did last November:
“Do we move ahead with the deployment of a force that will not make a difference, that will not have the capability to defend itself and that carries the risk of humiliation of the Security Council and the United Nations and tragic failure for the people of Darfur?"
We need to keep asking the question not because the answer is unclear, but because we have done nothing to make the question less exigent in assessing the UNAMID force currently in Darfur."

8/11/08 Bush urges China to use clout with Sudan on Darfur

"My attitude is if you've got relations with (Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir), think about helping to solve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur," Bush said in an interview with NBC Sports. "That was my message to the Chinese government."
"Joey Cheek has just got to know that I took the Sudanese message for him (to the Chinese government)," Bush said."
article: Bush urges China to use clout with Sudan on Darfur

8/8/08 Darfur Withers as Sudan Sells Food

This article has some very interesting details, I hope you read it in full.

"Even as it receives a billion pounds of free food from international donors, Sudan is growing and selling vast quantities of its own crops to other countries, capitalizing on high global food prices at a time when millions of people in its war-riddled region of Darfur barely have enough to eat."
article: Darfur Withers as Sudan Sells Food

8/8/08 www.darfurolympics.org

8/8/08 Resolve Uganda Report

"The LRA - though no longer active in Uganda - has continued its atrocities in the region, launching more attacks and abductions in South Sudan and building more bases in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo....
An outbreak of Hepatitis E has killed at least 104 northern Ugandans, many of them pregnant women. Crowded conditions in camps and inadequate sanitation facilities are partly responsible for the spread of the preventable disease.
The Ugandan government's top official for disaster preparedness said that 3.5 million people in northern and northeastern Uganda face starvation. Extreme weather and crop failure, as well as insecurity and rising food prices, have fueled the food crisis."
article: Resolve Uganda weekly Roundup

8/8/08 Where Once He Was Lost, Now He Is Found

Another great article about Lamong.
"You jerk Cheek's visa. We put Lomong in your face. And do it proudly." ...
"untold millions of people, in the next few days, will hear Lomong's life story, in his own words. In a half-hour monologue here on Friday, just 10 hours before he was to carry the flag, Lomong told a tale of grief, endurance, redemption and almost unimaginable hardship that captures in human terms every aspect of the Darfur tragedy. And without Lomong saying a single "controversial" political word, he highlighted China's culpability by cynically supporting the Sudanese regime as partner in the vast oil company PetroChina."
article: Lopez Lamong

8/8/08 Sudan floods displace more than 40,000

"The United Nations is scrambling emergency aid to more than 40,000 people displaced by floods in southern Sudan, a top regional official said on Thursday.
Seasonal heavy rains in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal state caused the Kuom river to overflow in the town of Aweil, making 39,000 people homeless in the region, officials said."
article: Sudan floods

8/7/08 Enough Project Report

"In a report released today, the ENOUGH Project argues that China's long-term political and economic interests are threatened by its support for despots. While many western nations have deservedly withdrawn investments from Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Burma and worked to isolate these governments for their appalling human rights records, Chinese support is helping Sudanese President Omar el Bashir, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and Burmese Senior General Than Shwe maintain power. What China has failed to calculate is that while it continues to garner short-term benefits from engaging such unsavory actors, the long-term cost of this approach will be highly deleterious."
Report: Blowback: How China torpedoes its investments

8/7/08 One.org petition (ACTION REQUEST)

We all know that poverty plays a big part in areas of conflict.
Please sign the Platforms Against Poverty Petition

8/7/08 SUDAN: From rebels to soldiers – the SPLA's transformation

"When we started as guerillas, we walked from Sudan to Ethiopia, carrying food and ammunition on our heads," said Col Kamilo Tafeng of the SPLA's new directorate for political and moral orientation. "Now, with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the SPLA has been transformed into a conventional army ... There is a tremendous change." ...
the SPLA has been transforming itself, not only in appearance, but also in attitude...
"During the war, we were thinking of fighting. Now we are thinking of human resource development,"...
The army, he added, is to create a new child protection unit in the coming weeks to ensure that no children are part of the SPLA's ranks.
The political wing of the former rebel movement, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), is also re-branding itself as it vies to be a national political party. In three years, a government of Southern Sudan has been created from scratch, complete with a legislative assembly, ministries and departments."...
article: From rebels to soldiers

8/6/08 2011 PHOTO PROJECT

Thanks to everyone that participated in the 2011 Photo Project. Click on the link for the final product.
I have also posted this photo on our Facebook GROUP. Everyone is welcome to join.
For more information: 2011 Referendum

8/6/08 Mia Farrow, Gold Medalist

This is a great article, please check it out in full.

"So now Mia is again among the Darfuris. She’ll be offering a glimpse of what the Darfuris are going through during the Olympics, in part because of China’s refusal to take the issue seriously. She’ll be webcasting daily reports as well as blogging. So take a look at them, at www.darfurolympics.org, and think of Mia out there in a dangerous area, standing up for the people of Darfur when the international community has forsaken them. And all she has is her rope."
article: Mia Farrow, Gold Medalist

8/6/08 Stop Genocide Now - Darfur Guerilla Action

"The victims of genocide are usually nothing but numbers—faceless and nameless. Today’s action is the start of a “GUERILLA” campaign that puts a face and name on the numbers. This action will go on for as long as necessary and will come in waves."
(Sample of printable poster)

Darfur Guerilla Action
JOIN THE FORUM

8/6/08 Lost-boy Lomong to carry U.S. flag

"The United States chose former Sudanese refugee Lopez Lomong to carry their flag at Friday’s Olympic opening ceremony in a move that could embarrass Sudan and its ally China.
Lomong, who spent 10 years in a refugee camp after fleeing his native Sudan as a child, was given the honor after a vote by the team captains of the entire U.S. Olympic squad."...
article: Lost-boy Lomong to carry U.S. flag

8/6/08 China revokes visa of gold medalist, Darfur activist Cheek

"Olympic gold medalist and outspoken Darfur activist Joey Cheek has had his visa revoked by the Chinese embassy, hours before the speedskating champion was set to fly to China. And he wasn't even planning on wearing a mask when he got there."...
article: China revokes visa

8/5/08 Don't send junk to Africa | & What you CAN do...

I read the Nicholas Kristof blog today about not sending junk to Africa. The article included info on Global Links, so I'd like to highlight that a bit further.
"Global Links is dedicated to reducing the amount of still useful surplus that is needlessly thrown away in the U.S., while helping to provide hospitals in developing countries with the ability to better treat their patients and expand services."
Check out the how to help page, and note the Donation options for individuals

Doing a baby supply drive wouldn't be too difficult, or collecting personal hygiene supplies. Think about it. Every little bit counts!

8/5/08 (ACTION REQUEST) Dream for Darfur has hosted an e-petition asking Senators McCain and Obama to co-sponsor the Senate resolution.

Please sign: Dream for Darfur Petition

8/4/08 Today Show Moves To Beijing, Will Report On Darfur, Human Rights

"Ten days ago, a grassroots group disrupted the taping of the Today show in Manhattan accusing the network of ignoring the Darfur genocide and what Darfur activists call "the China link," the Chinese government's complicity in the crisis in Sudan." See video ofToday show protests:
article:Today Show Protest

8/4/08 $300,000 to Panzi Hospital (DRC)

"The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) today announced an additional $300,000 grant to the Panzi Hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to increase its capacity to treat women who have been brutally raped – often with weapons and tools – and have contracted HIV and other sexually transmitted infections as a result.
The Foundation also announced that it will bring together experts from DRC, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and South Africa later this month to create a plan of action to support women in the DRC and to support the hospital's efforts to provide trauma counselling for patients."...
article: $300,000 to Panzi Hospital

8/4/08 TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

This site was passed on to me and I think it's quite inspiring.
Please click on the link below and watch the video and then read the story behind it.
Together we can change the world
They have created free books that can teach us 1100 ways to change the world, and they are also trying to create a movement that mobilizes millions to make a difference on the first Saturday of every month.
Also, check out the awesome Ugandan Sifa choir and check out their tour dates. They're only in the US until mid-September.
Check it out! "BE THE DIFFERENCE"

8/3/08 Well played Jerry Fowler, well played!
Helicopter in NYC Sends Message to World Leaders

What seemed like a wrong turn was actually a direct message to world leaders. As the U.N. Security Council debated its hybrid peacekeeping mission to Darfur, activists brought this helicopter one block away to deliver a strong message to the world’s leading nations: “Fulfill your promise to Darfur.”

article: SaveDarfurBlog

8/1/08 10.5 million displaced in central and East Africa

"The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the Central and East African Region as of the end of June 2008 is estimated at 10.5 million people, an increase of over 421,500 people since January 2008"
REPORT

8/1/08 Notes from a conference call with Enough Project and STAND about Congo

- FDLR needs to be removed in order to have any hope for peace
- Congo army might be supporting FDLR
- 150,000 more have fled since Jan., 08, adding to the million already displaced.
- Over 2,000 rapes REPORTED from June alone in Kivu region
- Food rations have been cut by 50% in the IDP camps
- Insecurity leads to more recruitment by rebel ps
- The ones protecting the camps are often also the ones attacking the women & children when they need to go outside of the camps for water or wood.
- The conflict is over an abundance of resources. The government is so weak, there is no control over territories. The government also profits from the these resources/conflicts

8/1/08 RAISE Hope for Congo ... On the Road

"In September 2008, ENOUGH is launching a multi-year campaign to protect and empower the women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As part of the campaign, ENOUGH is partnering with STAND – the student-led division of the Genocide Intervention Network - to launch a speakers’ tour of college campuses and high schools across the country to educate students about the conflict in DR Congo, the resulting epidemic of sexual violence against women and girls, and how they can be a part of the solution that will bring lasting peace to this central African nation."
more info: Speakers Tour

8/1/08 US abstains from voting on UNAMID extension resolution

"The US made the highly unexpected move of abstaining from voting on a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution extending the mandate of the UN-African Union (AU) hybrid force in Darfur (UNAMID).
Britain and France accepted wording that makes clear the council would be willing to discuss freezing any International Criminal Court (ICC) indictment of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir for genocide to achieve peace in Darfur.
Earlier this afternoon the US raised an 11th hour objection to a paragraph incorporated in the resolution that takes in consideration, concerns expressed by the African Union delegations, Libya and South African, that any indictment of Sudan President by the ICC might jeopardize the Darfur peace process...

In explaining the US abstention Wolf said his government strongly supports UNAMID but that the “language added to the resolution would send the wrong signal to the Sudanese president Al-Bashir and undermine efforts to bring him and others to justice”.
article: US abstains from voting on UNAMID extension resolution

7/31/08 Troops die on ground in Darfur as peacekeeping force suffers helicopter shortage

"Helicopters desperately needed by peacekeepers in Darfur are flying in air shows and sitting in hangars across Europe, according to a new report.
A year after the deployment of a peacekeeping mission for Darfur was authorised by the UN Security Council, the force is still without the 18 transport helicopters it needs to carry its troops across a region twice the size of the UK."...
article: Darfur helicopter shortage

7/30/08 Mercenaries for Darfur

(Erik Prince, the chairman and CEO of Blackwater Worldwide) ...
"Mr. Prince has a remedy. He believes that with 250 or so professionals, Blackwater can transform about a thousand of the African Union soldiers into an elite and highly mobile force. This force would also be equipped with helicopters and the kind of small planes that missionaries use in this part of the world. It would be cheaper than the hundreds of millions we are spending to set up a larger AU/U.N. force. And he says he'd do it at cost.

Blackwater would not do the fighting. Its people would serve as advisers, mechanics and pilots. Aid workers and villagers would be equipped with satellite telephones that include Global Positioning Systems. When they call in, the troops would respond.

"I'm so sick of hearing that nothing can be done," he says. "The Janjaweed is a truly unfettered bully. No one has stood up to them. If they were met by a mobile quick reaction force of African Union soldiers, the Janjaweed would quickly learn their habits were not sustainable." And to ensure accountability, he says, the U.S. could send 25 military officers to observe how Blackwater is doing and serve as liaisons."...
article: Mercenaries for Darfur

7/29/08 DISTUBRING REPORT FROM DAMANGA COALITION

"Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy has received very disturbing news from different
sources this weekend confirming that a “Kasha” is taking place right now in the three cities of the
capital of Sudan, particularly in the marketplaces and shopping centers. “Kasha” is a term in Arabic
which loosely means, “Clean the capital of dirt”. This term has been used since the time of former
President Nimery, during which time the security personnel and the police would ask people in the
streets for their IDs and where they came from. If they found out that these innocent,
unsuspecting people were from the South, or Darfur, or Nuba, they forced them on trucks and sent
them to jail. In Jail, they would ask them to return to where they came from, but only after inflicting
extreme brutality."...
article: Kasha in Sudan

7/29/08 DR Congo: Peace Process Fragile, Civilians at Risk

"The first report from the Congo Advocacy Coalition reveals that at least 150,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes since the Goma peace agreement was signed on 23 January, 2008, due to ongoing fighting. United Nations officials reported at least 200 ceasefire violations in under 180 days between January and July. Those newly displaced add to the 1 million people displaced from earlier waves of violence in North and South Kivu. The number of people displaced from their homes in the most affected territories of Rutshuru and Masisi in North Kivu is the highest ever registered."...
More than 2,200 cases of rape were recorded in June 2008 in North Kivu province alone, representing only a small proportion of the total"...
article: Oxfam

7/29/08 Interesting...

"Amnesty International website blocked at Olympic venue.
Foreign journalists working from the Olympics press centre in Beijing are unable to access amnesty.org - the Amnesty International website. A number of other websites are also reported to have been blocked.
As Amnesty International prepares to launch a new report evaluating the Chinese authorities’ human rights performance in the run-up to the Olympics, this flies in the face of official promises to ensure “complete media freedom” for the Games"
article: Amnesty

7/28/08 Sudan former rebels accuse army of second attack

"Former Darfur rebels on Sunday accused Sudan's army of a second attack on their forces since President Omar Hassan al-Bashir's tour of the war-torn remote west in which he called for a new initiative for peace...
Some 36 vehicles from the army attacked our post and killed four soldiers before searching and torturing civilians in seven villages we were protecting,"
article: Reuters

7/28/08 SPLM's Kiir to run in Sudan presidential election

"Sudan's former southern rebels said on Sunday their leader would run for the presidency in elections due next year under a landmark 2005 peace deal which ended Africa's longest civil war."
article: Reuters

7/28/08 Congocast has a new video posted

To listen to some personal stories from women in the Congo check out:
Congocast Episode 13

7/26/08 Sudanese Army Commander Admits to Arming, Leading Janjaweed Forces

"This incredible video shows former Sudanese Commander Arbab Idries admitting to arming and leading Janjaweed milita attacks on civilans in Darfur in order to "rid the land of blacks." The former commander says he believes he committed war crimes in Darfur."
SEE VIDEO: Interview with Sudanese Army Commander

7/26/08 Sudan bombed Darfur during Bashir tour

"A Darfur rebel faction that has a pact with Sudan's government accused the army on Friday of bombing a village this week even while President Omar Hassan al-Bashir was in the region making a call for peace."
article: Sudan bombed Darfur during Bashir tour

7/25/08 Millions in East Africa pushed ’towards severe hunger and destitution’ - Oxfam

"More than 14 million people in the east Africa region require urgent food aid due to drought and spiralling cereal and fuel prices, aid agencies say.
In an emergency appeal launched today, Oxfam warns that millions of people in Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Djibouti and Kenya are fast being pushed "towards severe hunger and destitution".
The hunger crisis is worse than the last regional emergency in 2006, when drought caused 11 million people to need assistance"
article: severe hunger and destitution

7/25/08 FILM: Boys of Mass Destruction

"In a twist of realism, a new feature film, "Johnny Mad Dog", uses a cast of actual ex-child soldiers from Liberia to portray the violent lives of youth forced to participate in armed conflict."
"The original script was adapted from Emmanuel Dongala's acclaimed book "Johnny Chien Mechant". Johnny, 15, and his small commando unit comprised of young boys ages 6 to 15, rip through an unnamed African country, terrorising and slaying everything in their path."
article: Boys of Mass Destruction

7/24/08 Statement from representative of Darfu's displaced

There's been many articles about Bashir's trip to see the refugees in Darfur today. Video shows hundreds of supporters in a rally type atmosphere and Bashir dancing on a stage for all of the displaced that were supposedly happy to see him. Yeah... I don't think anyone really bought that anyway.
"Darfur refugees term return of Darfur refugees as "fabricated story"
"Sudanese president Omer al-Bashir met today in al-Fasher with some one thousand families of IDPs from various tribes in Darfur, including those he is accused of targeting with atrocities, before their return to their villages.
However, Hussein Abu Sharati the spokesperson of Darfur IDPs and refugees dismissed this operation of voluntary return terming it as "fabricated story directed to the media" during the visit of the Sudanese president to the region. He further added that "those so called displaced had never been in the IDPs camps."
Abu Sharati further said that local authorities since five days are transporting the supporters of the ruling National Congress Party from different areas in Darfur to receive al-Bashir. "Most of the people who rallied today are civil servants and government employees who came to meet al-Bashir under pressure and fears." He said."
article: Sudan Tribune

7/23/08 Sudan agrees to try Darfur rights violators at home

"Sudan has agreed to try anyone it suspects of crimes in Darfur in Sudanese courts and will allow the United Nations, African Union and Arab League to follow the proceedings, an Arab League official said on Tuesday."...
"But it would be up to Sudan to decide who to try, and Arab League official Hesham Youssef could not say if two Sudanese officials indicted by the ICC last year would face charges."...
article: Reuters

7/23/08 'There's no peace for us to keep'

By General Martin Luther Agwai is the Force Commander of Unamid
"International Criminal Court and how they will affect the situation in Sudan, it is important to remember what is happening in Darfur today. "...
Yet again I asked myself, where is the peace for us to keep? The unpalatable truth is there is no peace in Darfur. This is a conflict that has now lasted almost as long as World War II, with the prospects of a lasting settlement looking less likely than ever."...
article: No Peace

7/23/08 Sudan: Country And UN Sign Four-Year Development Assistance Plan

"The Sudanese Government today signed an agreement with United Nations agencies operating in the country on a four-year aid plan covering peacebuilding, governance and the rule of law, employment, education and health care as well as other services."
article: AllAfrica

7/22/08 Please nominate Be Their Messenger's Members Project

All you have to do is vote!  And please pass it around.

I'd like to tell you about a project I submitted to Members Project. 
It's called Be Their Messenger - Letters of Hope, and with your support it could get funding from American Express and we could further expand the Letters of Hope campaign across the world, and include getting letters back from refugees. 
To nominate this project for funding, please go to
http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/5J6ZV2

Members Project is an exciting initiative that brings people together to make a difference in the world.  It's simple.  People go online to share ideas for projects - and ultimately vote on which projects get $2.5 million in funding from American Express.

In 2007, Members Project provided clean drinking water to children all across Africa.  What will Members Project do this year? The decision is yours.  Please nominate our project.

My intent:
This project can help reform people as one human race. This would connect people across the earth delivering hope to people that struggle to survive who think that we have forgotten them. It would bring compassion, understanding and knowledge to the rest of us by knowing their stories & their names and being aware of what they are going through. Once people know these truths it will make them care more about the issues. The more people that care, the more action we can turn into aid.

7/22/08 Genocide Intervention Network | Moreno-Ocampo praises the anti-genocide community

"Here, in the Lead Prosecutor's own words is his praise for the Darfur grassroots activism movement"

 
interview

7/21/08 The devil riders of Darfur - A MUST READ!!

I just read the most gut-wrenching, horrific, tragic, real-life story that personalizes one woman's experiences in Darfur to the extent that you can actually visualize the anguish. I am adding this to "Know their Stories" and I hope you will read it. It makes these tragedies all too real. It is unimaginable that one person could experience so much horror.

A doctor in the lawless region of Sudan, witnessed the atrocities of the Janjaweed; and then became a victim of the militia’s terrible revenge

Extracted from Tears of the Desert: One Woman’s Story of Surviving the Horrors of Darfur by Halima Bashir and Damien Lewis

7/21/08 Frost Over the World - President Omar al-Bashir

"Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir tells Sir David that 90 per cent of the people in the region are leading a normal life. He describes the ICC as a terrorist organisation and says the United States lacks the moral authority to speak about events in Darfur."

video Posted by Darfur Daily News

7/21/08 What is eaten in one week - around the world

Check out this site and scroll to see the last photo in Chad.
What is eaten in one week

7/21/08 Darfur rebels say Sudanese plane bombed Jabal Moon area

"Sudan air force yesterday bombed the village of Serf close to Jabal Moon area killing one civilian and injured a child, the Justice and Equality Movement said today.
Ali Alwafi, JEM military spokesperson said an Antanov plane attacked the village of Serf in Jabal Moon area in West Darfur on Friday morning at 10.30 and dropped more than 20 bombs."
article: Sudanese plane bombed Jabal Moon area

7/21/08 "While the parties to the peace agreement attend talks in Goma, their troops continue to kill, rape, and loot civilians."

"The killing and rape of civilians in the eastern province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues at a horrifying rate despite the signing of a peace accord six months ago, Human Rights Watch said today. The agreement was supposed to stop such attacks...
The agreement failed to halt the fighting. United Nations officials have documented some 200 ceasefire violations since January 23...
Nearly 100,000 people have been forced to flee in North Kivu since the peace agreement was signed, adding to the 750,000 displaced from the previous fighting."
article: DR Congo: Peace Accord Fails to End Killing of Civilians

7/20/08 Darfur Exhibit

I found out about a great exhibit coming up in Denver, August 25.

Please check it out: http://www.exhibitdarfur.com/Exhibit_Darfur/Details.html

7/18/08 Bush Warned He Might Send Troops to Darfur

"Senegal's president said on Thursday George W. Bush told African leaders at one stage the United States might send troops to Sudan's Darfur if they did not act to halt what he saw as genocide there."
article: Bush Warned He Might Send Troops to Darfur

7/18/08 UN needs more $12 million to fund return of Southern Sudan refugees

"The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) announced today it has a US$11.9 million shortfall in funding for its Southern Sudan repatriation and reintegration operation."
article: UN needs more $12 mil

7/18/08 ICC probes Darfur rebel leaders

"Rebel leaders from Sudan's Darfur region are being investigated for war crimes, says International Criminal Court's prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo."
article: ICC probes Darfur rebel leaders

7/18/08 China boosts peacekeepers in Darfur

"Extra Chinese engineers (175) were en route for Sudan's war-torn western region of Darfur on Thursday, set to boost the number of UN-led peacekeeping troops to more than 8,000, a spokeswoman said."
article: China boosts peacekeepers in Darfur

7/18/08 Sudan rules out deal with ICC over Bashir warrant

"KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan on Thursday rejected a deal with the International Criminal Court to hand over two indicted officials in exchange for dropping the court's arrest warrant for President Omar Hassan al-Bashir."
article: Sudan rules out deal with ICC over Bashir warrant

7/17/08 BTM Special Report

I spent a few hours recently at the local Lost Boys Center.  Let me just get this out of the way now… it was AWESOME.
Please check out my full report. It's not quite 1.5 pages. It's a quick read and worth the info!
Lost Boys Center in Pheonix
Also, please note the following website that I have added to my grassroots section.
http://www.onethousandmiles.org

7/17/08 Damanga Report - Justice before peace

I liked this report by the Damanga Coalition regarding the ICC & Darfur.

"This is not a matterof politics but rather a matter of humanity and a search for justice. Furthermore, we believe that until justice is served, there can be no real peace in the region of Darfur.  Until justice is served, the people of Darfur will be forced to live in fear, a fear that those who have persecuted them for so long will return to cause more havoc and more pain. That is the life the Darfuri people have become accustomed to. Until peace is tangible and sustainable, they will constantly live in fear."
Full report here: Justice before peace

7/17/08 A Great report from Enough Project on Bashir

Check out the great resume they have put together on Bashir

"“I gave the army a free hand to move out in all directions, to use all of its weapons, with no restraints, no restrictions, whatsoever” – Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir"

+ hosted Osama bin Laden and turned Sudan into the world headquarters for international terrorism.
+ declared jihad against the people of the Nuba Mountains, launching a massive offensive targeting civilian populations
+ became the only government sponsor of the Lord’s Resistance Army
+ revived the practice of slave raids against the people of southern Sudan
+ engineered a famine in the Bahr el-Ghazal region of southern Sudan that killed hundreds of thousands of people
+ Continually used aerial bombing of women and children, aid workers, and hospitals
+ organized the creation of the Janjaweed militias to commit genocide in Darfur
+ Orchestrated insecurity, rape, and malnutrition against displaced Darfuris

article: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir: The Record Speaks for Itself

7/17/08 Come to My Rescue, Bashir Tells Museveni

"Sudan's ambassador to Kampala, Hassan Gadkarim, appealed to President Museveni to use his position "as a neighbour, chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC)" among others to help call off the ICC warrants."
article: Come to My Rescue, Bashir Tells Museveni

7/17/08 DR Congo: UN mission completes construction of camps for Government troops

"The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has completed construction on three training camps for Government forces, known as the FARDC, as well as roads, bridges and airfields in North and South Kivu provinces in the east of the country."

article: UN mission

7/17/08 Darfur Rebels Plan New Assault on Sudanese Capital

"Rebel fighters in Darfur said they're planning a new attack on Sudan's capital because the government isn't committed to peace in the war-torn region."
article: Rebels plan assault

7/16/08 Save Darfur needs signatures - ACTION

"It's never been clearer that the U.N. Security Council needs a comprehensive plan for Darfur. And its leaders need the political will to implement it.
Click here to help us reach our goal of 50,000 messages that we will deliver to the five permanent members of the Security Council on July 31.

7/16/08 Wide Angle Special on Uganda

PBS is doing a special on children that have escaped the Lord's Resistance Army.
Wide Angle - Lord's Children - Premieres July 29th, check your local schedule

"The stories of three Ugandan children who escaped from the Lord's Resistance Army, a rebel group that kidnaps boys and girls to use as soldiers and sex slaves. Included are clips of the victims as they receive counseling at a rehabilitation center."   

7/16/08 Finally, my notes on "Heart of Darfur"

This was a great PBS special - Heart of Darfur

• The most ambitious peacekeeping mission ever.
• 5 yrs of tragedy, while the world watched or ignored it all.
• Long delayed effort to end the tragedy, 9,000 troops & growing, in search of a peace to keep.
• Kristof – “It’s an assault on the human fabric.  The response of the rest of us should be to try to mend that fabric of humanity one little bit."

• As news of the atrocities filtered out, and outraged world demanded action.
• The great & good, the rich & famous, publicly denounced the genocidal violence & humanitarian agony.  But 5 yrs into the conflict there is no sign to an end.
• 2/3 of the regions population, more than 4 million are dependent on the world’s largest aid operation.
• The US provides more than 80% of the food aid in Sudan.
• (Darfur Woman) “We’re asking for our rights which have historically been denied.  We’re demanding a non-terrorist regime.  A regime that doesn’t kill or exile.  A peaceful government."

• In Command, former head of Nigerian military, General Martin Luther Agwai
  I received a call back in January, “Congratulations General, you now have 26,000 troops for the peace in Darfur.  We’re sure very soon it will be over.  And then it dawned on me that there is going to be a lot of expectations.”
  
• They are there to monitor ceasefire – their mandate did not include protecting civilians.
• Agwai’s troops have been meeting with various rebel groups to try to open the communication and to reduce the number of movements and groups by getting them to combine, wherever possible.  One group he spoke with said they would make these efforts.

• (Peacekeeper) “The main frustration that we have is that our mandate is limited.  There’s not much we can do for them.  These people are in desperate need… that makes it very frustrating."
  (Refugee to peacekeeper) “Nothing has changed but the caps (hats).  Who is in charge of Darfur security?  You or the government of Sudan?"
  (Peacekeeper) “Well, Sudan government is responsible.”
  (Refugee)  “Do you report only or are you doing action on the ground?”
  (Peacekeeper)  “For the meantime we are reporting.  We monitor and we report.”
  
  
• Sudan’s insistence on African peacekeepers rules out troops from affluent west countries who have the food, medicine and supplies necessary to deploy quickly
  
  
• In Mellit, there are 2 doctors serving 160,000 people.
  A woman delivering by cesarean is given a horse tranquilizer because it’s the only thing available.

• 180,000 more have been displaced since Jan, 08

• The interview with Nicholas Kristof was very interesting.  I hope you will read it here: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/heart-of-darfur/nicholas-kristof/1377/

7/16/08 US president threatens Sudan with more sanctions

"The US president George Bush threatened the Sudanese government with more sanctions if he does not facilitate the deployment of peacekeepers and flow of aid in Darfur."
article: Bush threatens sanctions

7/16/08 A good reminder on why pursuing justice is important

"The value of the criminal court's extraordinary decision is that it continues a movement over the past decade of putting leaders of countries on notice that they might not get away with terrible crimes against their people. That trend gained momentum after Rwanda's 1994 genocide, in which the world stood by as 800,000 were slaughtered.
Each new effort can also put new pressure on countries that do business with tyrants. China has lucrative oil deals with Sudan and is its main arms supplier. The indictment gives China additional incentive to use its leverage to burnish its image as it prepares to host next month's Olympic Games...
Like Mugabe, al-Bashir might be counting on help from China and Russia. Both are frequently accused of human rights violations and fear international moves that infringe on national sovereignty. Appallingly, they used their U.N. Security Council vetoes last week to block new sanctions against Zimbabwe.
One organization might have more influence than the international court or U.N. on al-Bashir and Mugabe. That organization is the African Union. Its members, led by powerful South Africa, have behaved more like a cozy old boys' network. On Monday, they even asked the court to stop the indictment. They should be more concerned with getting the thugs in their club to stop the killing."
article: Accountability in Darfur

7/15/08

It's difficult to keep track of all the news right now and we are generally only hearing from 2 sides. What I wanted to know in all of this was how Darfur's people felt. Not the Sudanese rallying for Bashir right now, but the people for whom this indictment was created. I reached out to a couple of contacts I have from Sudan and have heard back that the "Darfur people and average Sudanese" were happy with the indictment, and they just want to find peace.

7/15/08 Sudan 'will block genocide case'

"Sudan has said it will do all it can to block the work of the International Criminal Court, which has accused the nation's leader of genocide in Darfur."
"Judges at the ICC, an independent body, are yet to decide if there are reasonable grounds to issue an arrest warrant against Mr Bashir. "
article: BBC news

7/15/08 The BBC has found the first evidence that China is currently helping Sudan's government militarily in Darfur.

"The Panorama TV programme tracked down Chinese army lorries in the Sudanese province that came from a batch exported from China to Sudan in 2005.
The BBC was also told that China was training fighter pilots who fly Chinese A5 Fantan fighter jets in Darfur."
article: BBC news

7/14/08 **LETTERS OF HOPE**

You will notice we have a new button on the right - Letters of Hope.
On June 11th I posted an update about my frustration and my discouragement about the refugees in Sudan losing hope. This launched a desperate attempt to find a way to get letters of hope into refugee camps.
I contacted every organization I could think of, and I mostly ran into road blocks. Exactly one month later, we got confirmation from the wonderful people at sixteenthofmay.org that they would be happy to deliver our letters of encouragement to the refugees in Sudan.  I hope you will check out the new page and submit a letter and photo to reach someone in desperate need of hope. You can find more background information below the form on the same page. Click on LETTERS OF HOPE on the right.

7/14/08 President Bashir and Genocide, by Kristof

When things are happening in Darfur, we look to Kristof for an opinion. I highly recommend his article today.

"So in the short-term, the situation will be messy. But the course we were on was failing. There was no movement toward serious peace negotiation, no prospect of Bashir leaving office, and the north-south agreement was fraying so that a larger war seemed likely."
"China will be a pivotal player now. If it decides it is too embarrassing to bolster a man facing arrest for genocide, then it could suspend shipments of spare parts and arms to Sudan — and that would be the end of the Bashir regime and of the genocide. There is also a legal argument that if China continues to supply weapons, then it will be in violation of the Genocide Convention itself. "
"In Kalma Camp, Darfuris have been thrilled — despite the risks of immediate violence and a harder life in the coming weeks — and southern Sudanese are also delighted. I think we should celebrate with them. "
article: President Bashir and Genocide

7/14/08 UN to withdraw staff from Darfur

"The United Nations has announced it is to withdraw non-essential staff from the war-torn Sudanese region of Darfur."
article: BBC news

7/14/08 the International Criminal Court has filed genocide charges against Sudan's president for a five-year campaign of violence in Darfur

"After three years I have strong evidence that al-Bashir is committing a genocide. I cannot be blackmailed, I cannot yield. Silence never helped the victims. Silence helped the perpetrators. The prosecutor should not be silent."

"If issued, the warrant would make al-Bashir the first sitting president to be indicted by the ICC for genocide."
article: Sudanese president charged with genocide

7/13/08 AL-Bashir indictment news...

Is everywhere.
I'm seeing many reports of warnings and threats coming out about the assumed ICC arrest warrant for Al-Bashir. UN workers and peacekeepers are being told to basically hide out for a few days and hope there isn't mass retaliation.
One UN worker said: "The president has sworn to fight to the last man and will not surrender to the ICC,"
(BBC news)
" the complexity and fragility of Sudan’s multiple conflicts have led many diplomats, analysts and aid workers to worry that the Sudanese government could lash out at the prosecutor’s move by expelling Western diplomats and relief workers who provide aid to millions of people displaced by the fighting, provoking a vast crisis and shutting the door to vital diplomatic efforts to bring lasting peace." (NY times)

I certainly do worry about this aspect of it. At the same time, we cannot handle this situation out of fear and let him continue the genocide.The peacekeepers are in danger regardless - because of him.

7/13/08 Attack that killed 7 peacekeepers is blamed on janjaweed

The July 8th attack that killed 7 peacekeepers and wounded 22 others was originally blamed on an undetermined rebel group. It now appears to clearly be work of the government janjaweed militia. Eric Reeves provides some great evidence.
article: UNAMID attack

7/11/08 US confirms ICC arrest warrant against Sudanese president

"UNITED NATIONS, July 10 -- The chief prosecutor of the Internationals Criminal Court will seek an arrest warrant Monday for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, charging him with genocide and crimes against humanity in the orchestration of a campaign of violence that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians in the nation's Darfur region during the past five years"
Washington Post

Sudan dismisses ICC proceedings on Darfur
"Mahjoub Fadul Badry told The Associated Press on Friday that he’s heard media reports that Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will be named a suspect. But he says Sudan "doesn’t care" about the ICC because it has "no authority." Article

7/10/08 The Pain of the G-8’s Big Shrug - A MUST READ by Nicholas Kristof

I can't even slim this down to great bits and pieces to quote. Please just read the whole article.
article: The Pain of the G-8’s Big Shrug

7/10/08 The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno-Ocampo will name new Darfur war crimes suspects on Monday

Let's hope Al-Bashir is one of them.
article: ICC to name new suspects

7/10/08 Thousands to join human art petition

A global day of action on Saturday 12 July aims to use human aerial art to call on the Chinese authorities to ensure a positive human rights legacy for the Beijing Olympics.
article: Amnesty & Check out the video!

7/9/08 Efforts to bring peace to eastern DR Congo must be hastened – UN report

"Steps towards bringing peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and bolstering lawful Government bodies must gather speed"
article: UN report

7/9/08 Crackdown in Khartoum

Mass Arrests, Torture, and Disappearances since the May 10 Attack.

"Since the May 10 attacks outside Khartoum, over 200 people from Darfur have been forcibly removed from their homes in Khartoum and detained on the basis of their shared ethnic identity with the Justice and Equality Movement, a rebel group that recently tried to overthrow the Sudanese Government." (Stand), see more details at Human Rights Watch

7/9/08 Ambush kills Darfur peacekeepers

"Six members of the joint United Nations African Union peace mission in Sudan's Darfur region have been killed in an attack, a UN source has told the BBC.
State media reports that a convoy of 40 armoured vehicles ambushed the peace force while on patrol in North Darfur.
The UN-AU mission has been struggling to contain the violence and has just 9,000 of the planned
26,000 troops.
Reports say at least seven other peacekeepers were wounded and a number of others remain missing."
article: Ambush

7/9/08

"We live by encouragement and we die without it, slowly, sadly, angrily."

7/9/08 An open letter to the President of the People’s Republic of China

Check out this letter from Amnesty. Open Letter to China

7/8/08

"If you yourself are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world." -Thomas Merton

7/8/08 Update from the G8 summit

"African aid was the centerpiece of the G-8 summit three years ago in Gleneagles, Scotland, where leaders pledged to increase foreign aid by $50 billion a year by 2010 -- with half of that going directly to Africa -- and to cancel the debt of the most heavily indebted poor nations.

Collectively, the G-8 has delivered just $3 billion of the $25 billion in additional aid pledged to Africa in 2005"...
article: G-8 summit opens with focus on Africa

**Only $3 Billion has gone to African Aid, and yet Bush just signed the bill to pledge $162 billion to fund the Iraq war onward.** We could have practically cured all of Africa with that amount.

7/8/08 Congo-Kinshasa: Pacifying Ituri - Achievements And Challenges Ahead

It is my goal to bring much more focus to Congo. I feel this region is the most threatening and severely neglected country on earth.
The Ituri region was the battled ground for the Drodo massacre in 2003, where almost 1,000 people were butchered in a matter of 1-3 hours (reports vary). I was just reading about this in All Things Must Fight to Live, and there's no way I could even share the details of what happened there.

"The pacification of Ituri, a region in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) badly affected by conflict, has been a long and arduous process. Much has been achieved over recent years but, as analysts and officials involved point out, the region is not yet out of the woods."
article: Ituri Update

The massacres continue. "If nothing else, the Bunia massacre has revealed, with graphic and embarrassing detail, the impotence of the international reaction to the horrors that have befallen Congo"
article: Congo War Toll Soars as U.N. Pleads for Aid

7/8/08 A more thorough article on UNAMID

The video attached to this article mentions: The mission of the peacekeepers are to observe. They do not have a mandate to intervene

"Logistical and bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the Sudanese government, which has tried to block the force from the start, have prevented the full deployment of the new battalions. But Western nations that pushed for the force have also caused delays by failing to provide basic equipment -- including helicopters, armored personnel carriers and trucks -- that the African countries providing most of the troops cannot afford. "

"We still have no helicopters. We still have no medium transport. This is not the responsibility of UNAMID," said the mission's top military commander, ... "This is the responsibility of the whole world."

"If peace is not returned to Darfur, it is not the fault of UNAMID," he said. "It is the fault of the parties to the conflict."
article: Peacekeepers in Darfur Hobbled by Need

7/8/08 Asylum seekers sent back to Darfur

"LONDON, England – British officials say they will resume deportation of asylum-seeking refugees from Darfur to Sudan, a move that is widely criticized by human rights agencies. Beginning in December, Britain had a ban imposed on deportation of Darfur refugees back to Khartoum while it reviewed claims that Darfuri’s were being tortured. That review is now complete, and the British government claims that the accusations of refugee torture were unproven, paving the way for the resumption of deportations."
article: UK lifts ban on deporting Darfur refugees to Sudan

7/7/08 article on UNAMID

Many different levels of this article are interesting, yet random, and it seems to split in so many directions.
First, it seems like it's focus is pointing out that some of the peacekeepers in Sudan are from Rwanda and could therefore be bringing in their own baggage, then it says they are doing better than when they started but then it points to a possible "break-up" of operations. Then it states that some senior officials are supporting the government of Sudan, then it clarifies that the government is basically handling the problem, and the west just doesn't understand how things are done in their part of the world. THEN it claims this commander is suspected of war crimes, but that the US wants to extend his contract!
wow.

> UNAMID commander calls on his (Rwandan) soldiers to be "different from those who carried out the Genocide".
> "the operation is failing to protect the people it was sent to save."
> " potentially damaging internal splits, but some senior officials were openly supporting the Sudanese government - in a conflict they are expected to be neutral. As others do little to hide their affection for the rebels."
> "There are signs of genocide here,"... "The plan itself is to eliminate the blacks of Darfur."
> The government are the good guys," he told the British daily. "They are putting things in order ... It might not be acceptable in your culture, in your democracy, but one thing you must understand - the way government is done in this part of the world is different."
> "Meanwhile, the U.S. government is reported to have expressed its wish to the UN that General Karake's contract with the hybrid force is extended - amid controversy that he his hands are not clean. The exiled Rwandan opposition accuses him of war crimes."

article: Sudan: General Karake Urges Rwandan Peacekeepers to Be 'Different'

7/7/08 Darfur Rebels Threaten New Action Against Sudan Government

“We are going back (to war). We are going to attack, and remove this regime. The only thing that will stop us is if they were to sit peacefully and discuss the way forward. Our aim is for a peaceful settlement. But if the Sudan government is adamant that it wants to settle this militarily…. Jem is ready to go back and (overthrow) the government,”
article: Rebel threats

7/6/08 Simon's Map - World is Witness (USHMM)

There's no good way for me to sum up this story, so I ask you to please click on the link and read this short article about a man named Simon from a town near Abyei. I'm adding it to the 'Know Their Stories' section.
story: Simon's Map

7/6/08 (Darfur) Rebels fight back

"Rebels ambushed the Sudanese army in northern Darfur and killed 157 soldiers, said a press statement issued on Saturday evening."
article: Sudan Tribune

Note at the bottom of this article there are some threatening comments posted by readers.

7/5/08 War in Eastern DRC Creates Thousands of Child Soldiers

" the peace process that exists on paper is really not there on the ground. It was very concerning to see the escalation in violence and the huge displacements of people that have been going on in the last few months. The stories from some of the children, in fact, who had escaped from the fighting, who had been abducted and forced to fight as soldiers, were all very shocking,"...
"Save the children is running one of the largest, if not the largest, child soldier reunification programs in Eastern DRC, with hundreds, if not thousands, of children on our case books..."
article: DRC, Child Soldiers

7/5/08 Despite Activist pressure, Bush will attend Olympic opening

article: Bush will attend opening of Beijing Olympics

7/4/08 Independence Day Dedication

7/4/08 Happy Liberation Day, Rwanda

"In 1994, that date marked the end of the Rwandan Genocide, and the birth of the new government that rose from the ashes. This Friday, the nation will be celebrating its 14th year of peace and the growing prosperity that has been the result. This is a virtually unbelievable, unpredictable achievement in light of the forces that aligned to prevent it."
article: Happy Liberation

7/3/08 New joint mediator hope to end Darfur crisis

The newly appointed joint UN and AU mediator for Darfur said on Wednesday he hoped to "strike a balance" in resolving the crisis in western Sudan.
"Of course, we hope to strike a balance. As one often says in an exercise of this kind, no one can win everything, but neither should anyone have to accept losing everything,"
"He said his mission would only be complete once a total peace agreement had been reached."
article: New Joint mediator

7/3/08 UN-AU force in Darfur & UNMIS mandate in Abyei

UN-AU force in Darfur:
"The US envoy repeated his disappointment with the UN over failure to deploy 3,600 more UN-African Union (UN) troops by end of June as requested by him in March.
“We are disappointed the UN has not been able to achieve those modest goals by the date that has been set” Williamson said.
“The progress in the first six months is absolutely unacceptable…The people of Darfur deserve better” he added."

UNMIS mandate in Abyei:
"Last month Williamson accused the UN Mission in South Sudan of failing to live up to their duties during the clashes that erupted in Abyei.
“We pay a billion dollars a year for UNMIS and they didn’t leave their garrison while 52,000 lives were shattered and nearly a hundred people perished’ Williamson told reporters at the time.
“The devastation was complete…..U.N. peacekeepers and UNMIS staff in their garrison were as close as 25 feet away. Sudanese homes were burned to the ground and looting took place, despite the fact that UNMIS has a mission ... to intervene to protect innocent people” he added."

"But the UN special envoy for Sudan Ashraf Qazi issued a statement in response to Williamson saying that law enforcement is responsibility of the Sudanese government." = Exactly the problem!
article: Sudan Tribune

7/3/08 "Buying Goats and Other Aid"

I hope you will check out the article by Nicholas Kristof today. It highlights many ways to provide aid to other areas of the world.
article: Buying Goats and Other Aid

7/2/08 Africa faces ‘dramatic’ physician shortage by 2015, cautions UN health agency

Some upsetting statistics:

"Africa will face a scarcity of care, WHO said, with 255,000 doctors in 2015, which is 167,000 fewer than needed to meet the birth coverage goal.
The study notes that in 2004, Africa carried nearly one quarter of the world’s disease burden with only 2 per cent of global physician supply and less than 1 per cent of health expenditures worldwide. Similarly, South-East Asia bore 29 per cent of the global disease burden, with 11 per cent of the world’s supply of doctors and 1 per cent of health expenditures.
Meanwhile, the Americas region, with 10 per cent of the world’s disease burden, accounted for half of the world’s health expenditures and one fifth of all physicians."
article: UN News Centre

7/2/08 Tension rises following assassination of Darfur tribal leader

All I know is that this is NOT a good direction: "The governor also revealed that he received permission from the Sudanese president Omar Hassan Al-Bashir to use the air force to restore order."
Well, we all know what that looks like when Bashir decides to crack down on order...
article: Tensions...

7/2/08 A Berkeley physicist has found a way to help keep Darfurians alive, by building a better kitchen stove.

I'm glad this project is getting some recognition because I already had it listed in our grassroots section, and I think it's brilliant!
article: The Flames of Hope

7/2/08 Sudan: UN Agency Begins Health Relief Efforts in Disputed Town of Abyei

"The United Nations health agency has started preparations for the expected return of tens of thousands of displaced people to their homes in the disputed central Sudanese town of Abyei." (Almost 60,000 people fled the area last month)
article: AllAfrica

7/2/08 Olympic Truce

"On Tuesday, a petition signed by 130 former and current Olympic athletes and hopefuls was delivered to a host of world leaders, calling on them to push Sudan to adopt an "Olympic Truce" in Darfur. "
article: Genocide Intervention Network

7/2/08 Africa minister warns of Sudan "freefall"

"We've got to find a way to help Sudan and its constituent parts start to work through these problems and solve them, otherwise ... there could be a dangerous tipping point where the country goes into a freefall."
article: Africa minister warns of Sudan "freefall"

7/1/08 Top 10 most underreported humanitarian stories

Please check out this report from Doctors without Borders

7/1/08 Alert from one.org

"The Financial Times ran an article yesterday with a lead that could hardly be more alarming: "Leaders of the Group of Eight rich nations are set to backtrack on their landmark pledge at the Gleneagles summit in 2005 to increase development aid to Africa to $25bn a year."
It is astonishing that there is even debate within the G8 as to whether or not they should keep their promises. But the fact that there is a debate adds urgency to our call to the G8 to deliver on their commitments.
Tell the G8 to follow through on their promises, click below to sign our petition:"
http://www.one.org/2008g8/o.pl?id=390-3947163-iaV3UEx&t=2

7/1/08 Sudan's reaction to G8 pressure

Regarding yesterday's update that G8 warned Sudan to cooperate with the ICC....
"al-Sadiq promised that threats would not influence Sudan's response to the ICC."

"Such defiance to international efforts for justice in Darfur highlights the need for full deployment of the UNAMID peacekeeping force.  If Sudan's unwillingness to cooperate with international efforts prevents justice from serving as a deterrent against genocide, more peacekeepers must be deployed to dissuade violence.
Call 1-800 GENOCIDE and tell your legislators to continue funding the UNAMID peacekeeping force in fiscal year 2009."
article: Genocide Intervention Network Update
   

7/1/08 Sidenote to share: A Life Saver Called "Plumpynut"

Plumpynut is saving Africa's children and we need to act fast.

Photo from Doctors without Borders

Every year, malnutrition kills five million children - that's one child every six seconds. But now, the Nobel Prize-winning relief group "Doctors Without Borders" says it finally has something that can save millions of these children.
"Now we have something. It is like an essential medicine. In three weeks, we can cure a kid that is looked like they're half dead. We can cure them just like an antibiotic. It’s just, boom! It's a spectacular response," Dr. Tectonidis says.

We don’t have to feed the whole world. We have to go for the jugular. Where are they dying? Where are they wasted? That’s where we have to intervene. If you feed them well until they're two or three years old it's won. They're healthy, they can get a healthy life. If you miss that window, it's finished...
Two years ago this region had the highest malnutrition rate in Niger. But now, after widespread use of the Plumpynut, it has the lowest....
Even by taking a miniscule proportion of the global food aid budget, they will have a huge impact, huge impact!" Tectonidis says. "We're not even asking for billions. It will solve so much of the underlying useless death. So we gotta do that now."
see article by Anderson Cooper: A Life Saver Called "Plumpynut"
You can also go to Doctors without borders and donate towards this Nutritional Breakthrough.

6/30/08 Group of Eight powers warned Friday they could take further action against Sudan at the UN Security Council unless it complies with demands to bring Darfur war crimes suspects to justice.

article: G8 warns Sudan of more UN action on Darfur

6/30/08 Article by Eric Reeves

This is great, read it: article: pursuing peace and justice in Darfur

"Those misrepresenting the efforts of the International Criminal Court will inevitably encourage Khartoum; urging expediency over justice upon the international community will similarly embolden the regime’s génocidaires"
...
“The first phase of attacks in 2003-2004 has affected 4 million people. Since 2005, villages are still being attacked. What is the difference between those two phases? A simple one: there are fewer villages left to burn and loot, [fewer] civilians to terrorize and kill.
“But the tactics remain: the Sudanese army in coordination with the air force and Militia Janjaweed attack civilians. In 2008 alone, they have displaced more than 100,000 civilians from the villages of Abu Suruj, Sirba, Seleia, Aro Sharow, Kandare, Kurlongo, Sheged Karo. Schools, markets, water installations have been hit. Homes have been burned.
...
" During this time hundreds of thousands of people have died, many tens of thousands of women and girls have been raped, more than one million people have been violently displaced, millions of lives have been turned into ghastly exercises in day-to-day survival, humanitarians have been killed by the scores---and Khartoum has paid no price for continued deployment of the Janjaweed."

6/30/08 So true...

By CNN Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson - "these days it's rare any journalist gets access to what I think is becoming one of the most under reported big stories of the decade: Darfur."
article: Darfur Diary: Rattled by red tape

6/30/08 A good reminder from "Darfur Now"

Don Cheadle -" If we could bottle the same enthusiasm and interest that people have to call in to American Idol we could knock this out."

Luis Moreno Ocampo -" I believe that truth will prevail, and we are here to unveil the truth."
... (regarding the ICC working to bring justice against the guilty in Sudan) "If this court is not working well,
in 25 years the world will be like Darfur"

6/28/08 "Heart of Darfur"

I've noticed PBS showing more shows lately on issues in Africa. They have "Heart of Darfur" scheduled for Tuesday, July 1.
See PBS for details and times

6/28/08 Emannuel Jal

"Emmanuel Jal has won worldwide acclaim for his unique style of hip hop with its message of peace and reconciliation born out of his experiences as a child soldier in Sudan."

I encourage you to watch the music video he has for "War Child". I think it is really well done and portrays an interesting story. War Child Video

This life is bigger than what we encounter in our own tiny little box.
http://www.emmanueljal.org/

See article about him: Living to tell about it

6/28/08 Negotiators quit Darfur, saying neither side is ready for peace

"The UN negotiators attempting to bring peace to Darfur have resigned, admitting that their mission has been a failure."...
"I don't believe the parties are ready to sit down and make the necessary compromises."...
"The margins of survival are so slim for the people of Darfur."...
"At the moment it is going nowhere, but unless a new negotiator has new carrots or sticks it's destined to fail. The situation is unbelievably bleak."
article: Negotiatiors quit

6/28/08 CNN reporter in Darfur

It's not that often that people are able to actually get into Darfur lately, so the reports I find from journalists and photographers that have been there recently should be given some attention.

Watch the video. Notice a former janjaweed commander which denies that genocide is happening. He has since been upgraded to advisor to the president.
article: Things are getting worse & check out the video

6/27/08 Lord's Resistance Army

"The Failed States Index ranked all three countries in which LRA rebels are now active - the Central African Republic, the DR Congo and Sudan - among the ten most unstable states in the world."
article: Resolve Uganda

6/27/08 Side note: Somalia

I'd like to bring some attention to Somalia.
"Somalia is no longer on the verge of a catastrophe, the disaster is happening now,"
250,000 displaced / 2.6 million that need assistance
article: SOMALIA: Response to humanitarian disaster "inadequate"

6/27/08 Ben Affleck - Turning World's Eyes and Ears to Congo

I missed this episode on Nightline last night, but here is the article by Ben Affleck and some video from his interview. He has gone to the DRC three times in the last eight months in order to educate himself on what is happening there.

"Bands of militia groups roam freely and each answer only to their own respective leader, living off the population and offering as payment the "Congolese credit card" — the AK-47.

Because these travesties have happened in relative obscurity — for example, 16 times as many people have died in Congo as have in the terrible ongoing genocide in Darfur, yet far more has been heard about Western Sudan than Central Africa — one goal here is to simply raise awareness. The hope being that a spotlight's glare might help in a place where too much suffering has happened in the dark and also help those who are already hard at work trying to help themselves and their country."
article: Ben Affleck essay

6/26/08 Sign On to Letter Urging G8's Action on Darfur

"In two weeks, world leaders from G8 countries -- U.S., Canada, Japan, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and Russia -- meet for their annual Summit in Japan to debate action on issues of global concern. Continuing violence in Darfur and renewed violence in Southern Sudan should be included in the set of issues they discuss. If you agree, add your name to an Open Letter to all G8 Leaders and Foreign Ministers"
Sign here: G8 Petition

6/26/08 UN-supported initiative aims to reintegrate 180,000 Sudanese ex-combatants

"25 June 2008 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be supporting the reintegration of 180,000 Sudanese ex-combatants as they return to civilian life under an agreement signed today with the Government of National Unity and the Government of Southern Sudan.

Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) is an important component of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended the long-running north-south civil war in Sudan."
article: UN News Centre

6/26/08 Caught in a rebel offensive in Chad

I found this to be a very interesting and informative article about journalists/photographers that had gone to Chad to interview the displaced and ended up getting attacked.

..."We stopped and seconds later hordes of sweaty gunmen swathed in turbans and “magical” leather amulets swarmed us, shouting and shoving their weapons in our faces, pulling us roughly from the car while banging their fists on the roof. Grabbing our driver’s mobile phone, documents and cigarettes, and a satellite phone belonging to my travelling partner, an American human rights researcher, the gunmen ordered us to follow them back into the desert."...
article: Reuters Blogs

Finbarr O'Reilly | Reuters Blogs

6/26/08 Uganda to give peace process another chance

"The UPDF has welcomed a reported move by LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony to revive the Juba Peace talks. According to Radio France, the LRA leader on Monday called for the revival of stalled peace talks with the Ugandan government."
article: Uganda: Army Welcomes Revival of Juba Peace Talks

6/25/08 Darfur News

article: Darfur expectations fade: "Six months after the peacekeeping force in Darfur transferred to UN leadership, no new battalion has deployed and enormous expectations among victims of the conflict are beginning to fade. "

article: Envoy sees little hope: "The chance for peace has slipped away for now, he told the council "with much regret," and the focus must revert to restoring security. He scolded all parties in the conflict, including the Security Council and himself, for not doing more to halt the violence. "

article: Dispute over Abyei: "plan unveiled by the Sudanese Government of National Unity's main parties to resolve their dispute over the situation in the oil-rich area around Abyei"

6/24/08 Congocast

In the summer of 2006, two American women left home to live and serve in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an African country oppressed by war and ravaged by violence against women and girls. They experienced some pretty incredible stuff and you can actually watch their story unfold online visit http://www.congocast.org to learn more.
I've also posted their "Julie Project" under my Grassroots section, and added a couple of their episodes to my "Know their stories" page.

6/24/08 Thank you to Genocide Intervention Network

I noticed Be Their Messenger is listed in their newsletter today. Thank you!
Genocide Intervention Network

6/24/08 "Bashir's government has produced one of the largest civilian body counts since the Holocaust"

"The Washington Post on May 26: "Perhaps the most dreaded scenario . . . is beginning to unfold—a resumption of the north-south civil war, which killed an estimated 2 million people, making it one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II."
...
" The Sudanese People's Liberation Movement is not composed of pacifists. Its secretary general, Pagan Amum, says of the 31st Brigade's attack on Abyei: "This is a clear indication that he [al-Bashir] may be thinking of 'a final solution' to the Abyei problem by killing the people and displacing them."

"Another SPLM official, Musa Malei adds: "We are not desiring to go to war— we have been forced to fight."
article: A Third Sudanese Genocide: General al-Bashir's Final Solution

6/23/08 UN Warns of bad year in Darfur

"KHARTOUM, Sudan -- U.N. agencies operating in Darfur warned Sunday that rising insecurity, a bad cereal harvest and the approaching rainy season will make for a particularly bad year for the population of the region."
article: Washington Post

6/23/08 A disturbing report and video has surfaced:

"The video is taken on 10 May 2008, during JEM militia attack on Khartoum 10 May 2008. Find it on the following link. Group of children, some of them between 8 and 12 years old, tortured and humiliated by the security organs of the Sudan NCP/INF Regime, and some of them finally killed or died under torture. Those innocent children accused of taking part in attack of JEM!. Confirmed reports saying all of them were innocent, they have been collected from Khartoum streets because of their faces feature or their dark colors, presumed to be from Darfur..." video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxM-SsyZMLE
Posted through: Darfur Daily News

6/20/08 World Refugee Day 2008

“On this World Refugee Day, let us take time to recognize and draw inspiration from these ordinary people who have shown such extraordinary courage – the world's millions of refugees and displaced.” 
Antonio Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees

Check out UNHCR & The IRC

6/20/08 A Wide-Open battle for power in Darfur

"EL FASHER, Sudan -- Five years after the Darfur conflict began, the nature of violence across this vast desert region has changed dramatically, from a mostly one-sided government campaign against civilians to a complex free-for-all that is jeopardizing an effective relief mission to more than 2.5 million displaced and vulnerable people."
article: Washington Post & video/slideshow
Interesting that at the end of this video it shows 4 news stories. One is - "Obesity" threatens U.S. children, and another is "Global Food Crisis" with a photo of a malnourished child.

6/19/08 "The continued failure to fully deploy UNAMID has further emboldened the Sudanese Government to expand its attacks on Darfuris to Khartoum itself"

"Niemat told the story of "Adam," a Darfuri man living in Khartoum who was beaten by Sudanese officials for his identity. Adam watched others die at the hand of Khartoum's indiscriminate campaign of terror."

"Today, untold thousands of Darfuris, and other citizens from the south and elsewhere who were mistaken for Darfuri because of their appearance, are being held incommunicado and under horrific conditions. I hold in my hand today testimony from men and boys, some as young as 14, who have been brutalized and in some cases killed for one reason: their appearance. "
You can read the full description of "Adam's" story here - article: Save Darfur

6/19/08 Congo-Kinshasa: All Sides Continue to Violate Human Rights, UN Report Finds

"Government troops, national police, foreign groups and local militia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to contribute to deteriorating human rights conditions, the United Nations peacekeeping mission to the country (MONUC) said in a report released today."
article: AllAfrica

6/19/08 "Your voice is Their voice" (stopgenocide now update)

"Ttoday they need you to stand up, stronger then ever, and tell their story.
For the past month and a half, violence throughout Sudan towards Darfuris has increased significantly with Darfuris in the capitol being pulled from their homes and executed in the street or arrested and taken to undisclosed locations, learn more at Reporters without Borders. Join Amnesty International in urging leaders to take action to release Darfuri prisoners NOW.
Tell the Media it needs to stop: write a letter to the editor or article for your local paper! More importantly, urge the media to bring attention to the voices of those who need our help!"

GO TO: STOP GENOCIDE NOW they have listed links to newspapers, TV, radio, etc.

6/18/08 US, activists decry world 'failure' to prevent genocide in Sudan

Wow. This has some great news in terms of demanding the UN to act. I applaud Richard Williamson,
Mia Farrow and John Prendergast for their efforts. Here are some key points from the article:

"The U.S. presidential envoy to Darfur joined activists Tuesday in blaming the world for failing to protect Sudan from genocide."

"And in Darfur, we've another conflagration, a genocide in slow motion. For over 300,000 people have perished, and over 2.5 million people have been driven from their homes," he said at a meeting organized by the U.S. Mission to the U.N. "If we keep doing what we've been doing, we won't save those lives."

"How long will you continue to allow the government of Sudan to manipulate this body?" she told U.N. officials. "Did Adolf Hitler get to choose which troops should be deployed to end his genocide?" (Mia Farrow)

"It is very clear now that Darfur has again become an election item in the United States,"

(regarding resolutions) "Not one of them has been enforced," he said. "The buck is supposed to stop right here. But it hasn't." (Pendergast)

article: International Herald Tribune

6/18/08 I-ACT - http://www.stopgenocidenow.org/iact

I've been following the daily journals from the I-ACT team in Chad the last week. Ironically, they shared a similar call to action on their posting yesterday, much in line with mine (Forgotten Kenyan Conflict exposed). I thought I'd share a few of their thoughts:

..."Not only the refugees who probably relived their own villages destruction during all of this, but the regular Chadian who has the market stall, or the mother who cares for her children. These are the innocents. But, they are also the disposables to so many people. Their stories are not told. The voices muted by those with fancy titles and positions of power.

For now, the world’s worst humanitarian crisis is Chad-Darfur. But all over the world live the voiceless. But they are only voiceless because of those who turn a deaf ear. They have a story, and an opinion. They are knowledgeable beyond comprehension in survival, and culture. They are very much alive here, and in the Congo, Burma, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Columbia, and all over the world."...

6/19/08 UN accuses DRC police of killings, DRC says UN Lied

"The government of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has dismissed as "mendacious" a UN report that accused police of killing 100 civilians in Bas-Congo province."
article: Congo-Kinshasa: UN 'Lied' in Report On Bas-Congo Killings - Govt

6/18/08 Chad's rebels 'seize third town'

When I speak about the conflict in Darfur, know that this conflict includes much of Sudan, (especially Abyei) and also Chad. In reality this is a Sudan/Chad problem.

"Rebels in Chad say they have taken the eastern town of Biltine - the third town they have captured in recent days. "
article: Chad rebels seize third town

"tensions between the two countries will remain high. Both governments accuse the other of supporting rebel groups fighting for expanded autonomy or attacking government targets in their respective regions."
article: Chad / Sudan_airstrikes and continued tension

This map shows how Darfur, Abyei and Chad all share borders.

map edited from aquadoc

6/18/08 Rebels could hit Chinese oil interests in Sudan

"UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - A US human rights activist on Tuesday warned China that it risked rebel attacks against its oil interests in Sudan unless it put pressure on its ally Khartoum to end the violence in Darfur and south Sudan. "
article: Rebels could hit Chinese oil interests

6/17/08 Enough Project REPORT

"With its latest invasion-by-proxy in Chad, the Sudanese government is taking its defiance of the United Nations Security Council to a new level. As we speak, Khartoum is sponsoring and supporting an open and transparent effort to overthrow a neighboring government. A month ago, the regime burned the strategic town of Abyei to the ground, leaving the North-South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) at extreme risk. This comes against the backdrop of a government offensive in Darfur and ongoing support to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), whose actions threaten the children of four countries."
article: Promoting Peace and Security in Sudan - Briefing to the United Nations Security Council

6/17/08 The Genocide Continues

"Darfur’s plight is not yet hopeless, but without greater international commitment it may become so. As the criminal court’s prosecutor told the Security Council on June 5, it takes a lot of planning and organization to commit massive crimes. “But mostly,” he said, “it requires that the rest of the world look away and do nothing.”

article: The Genocide Continues

6/17/08 Forgotten Kenyan Conflict exposed, etc...

"Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has exposed torture and appalling levels of sexual violence in a conflict in western Kenya. It says people there are caught up in fighting which it claims is being
ignored by the international community. " article: Kenya

We need to pay attention to these other areas as well because they all start to affect each other. Refugees from African countries are constantly being forced into other areas = new tribes, new militias, new reasons to fight, new reasons to run, and so on. We've got tribe against tribe and rebel against military all across Africa and millions of innocent people caught in the middle that bare the brunt of the fighting.
This is a hurting, broken, starving and vastly forgotten/ignored country. We need to pay attention. We need to know about the starvation in Ethiopia, political violence in Zimbabwe, attacks in South Africa, Chad, Uganda, Sudan, DRC, the list goes on and on.
It's easy to place Africa or any of these hurting countries outside of our mind because they are far enough away that we can get through our day ignoring it. It's easy to be busy enough in our own lives, in our own country and in all that is wrong here. I know this. But what it comes down to is that they deserve to be helped, just as we would. They deserve to be fought for, they deserve a whole lot more than what they get. We care because we are human and because we should, because our integrity would not allow us to turn away and because we have hopes for a better earth. It starts small - we build a better community, we build a better state, a better country, a better world. Who wouldn't want to be part of making the world a better place?
Be aware, know what's happening, stay informed and lets not allow the world to ignore it. We are a global community - "Today is the day we say let's look around and see what's going on. Put out a hand and say we are one people." (Lost Boy)

If you want to directly change the lives for these people, sponsor someone!
I can't tell you how rewarding this is, and how awesome it makes you feel to get the letters not only from kids but from the organizations when they say - your child has graduated or we are moving on from this area because it is now fully functioning and they have what they need, the kids are clothed, fed, vaccinated and educated, you can now help someone new. I know there are many great organizations for this, but I personally love Food for the Hungry and World Vision. Pick your country, pick your child. Also, Check out the Huruma House in Kenya. Mama Zipporah is amazing and e-mails her own personal newsletters every month about the house and the kids she rescues.
You can also sponsor a woman through Women for Women International.

"What unites us as human beings is the aspiration to make the world better, more compassionate, with less conflict, less hate and hardship, and with more tolerance and understanding."  Elie Wiesel

6/16/08 "In Sudan, the government has turned all of Darfur into a rape camp. "

This must be my day to highlight many key players in the fight for Sudan. Nicholas Kristof is a journalist that repeatedly brings attention to such conflicted areas as Darfur and the DRC, and many others.

"this practice of “marking” the Darfur rape victims has become widespread: typically, the women are scarred or branded, or occasionally have their ears cut off. This is often done by police officers or soldiers, in uniform, as part of a coordinated government policy."

"The rape capital of the world is eastern Congo, where in some areas three-quarters of women have been raped. Sometimes the rapes are conducted with pointed sticks that leave the victims incontinent from internal injuries, and a former U.N. force commander there, Patrick Cammaert, says it is “more dangerous to be a woman than to be a soldier.”

The international community’s response so far? Approximately: “Not our problem.”
article: The Weapon of Rape

6/16/08 Enough Project - Report

"Almost a year has passed since the United Nations Security Council approved a civilian protection force for Darfur. But the United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID, is stunted. Only one-third of the troops are deployed, critical gaps exist in equipment and logistical support and the force has been repeatedly attacked. The Sudanese government systematically obstructs full deployment with total impunity."
article: Keeping Our Word: Fulfilling the Mandate to Protect Civilians in Darfur

6/16/08 Article by Eric Reeves

Eric Reeves is another of the advocates in the forefront of Sudan. He wrote an interesting article yesterday:
article: The international community fails to heed the warning signs or hold Khartoum accountable

"Do we care enough to avert impending large-scale starvation in Darfur? Is there a willingness to demand of Khartoum the freedom to collect and disseminate data bearing on malnutrition in an effort to target food resources most effectively? Will WFP be able to provide people with more than half the food they require to live? Will 2.5 million conflict-affected persons regain secure humanitarian access? Will Khartoum’s vicious harassment and intimidation of humanitarian workers be halted?
The questions have been clear for months; sadly, so too have the answers."

6/16/08 The Man for a New Sudan

Roger Winter is one of the leading activists for Sudan, and especially Abyei. The people of Darfur know him personally, especially those from SPLM. I came across this article on him in the NY Times and found it very inspiring. I hope you will check it out. I've copied only a few of the interesting thoughts I read.

“The good thing is the Abyei Protocol. The bad thing is we went home.” Now Winter is watching his old adversary, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, play familiar tricks. “Bashir knows he’s looked the whole international community right in the eyes,” Winter said. “He says yes, yes, yes to the protocol, and then he says no. . . . And what happened? Nothing. So he’s learned a lesson, and you can see the lesson even in Darfur because the United Nations says a hybrid force should come and he says no, and what happens? Nothing. So it’s very, very, very dangerous, this pattern.”

"...President Bashir has done what he always does: endorsed Arab militias who carry out Darfur-style scorched-earth tactics. "

"“It’s a long war,” the chief told Winter. “Peace came, and no one helped us implement it, and it’s become a problem.” He went on: “I have a question for you who’ve come from America. In Abyei, we don’t know if it’s war or peace. When will the intervention come? When the fighting has started again?”... “All that’s happening in Darfur,” the chief said, “happened here in Abyei.”

"During the (Rwanda) genocide, he flew home every few weeks to brief the U.S. government on what he witnessed firsthand. President Clinton’s later statements that he had not been fully aware of what was happening caused Winter, he says, to leave the Democratic Party.

Winter told the people in Abyei: “Honestly, the people that have your interests at heart are you, really only you. The Americans can be O.K. now, but next year they may be not so O.K. But it’s your place, it’s your life, it’s your future.” Now that he’s out of the American government, Winter makes no bones about what he is: an advocate. His job is to shout himself hoarse until someone listens to what he’s saying about the worsening crisis in Abyei and the failure to do enough about it. “That’s what an advocate does,” he said. “No matter how good the government does, you’re always goosing them to do better. Otherwise, why does anybody need you?”

"The American negotiator, Richard Williamson, flew to the town. “I’ve been to Bosnia and Kosovo and I’ve never seen anything like Abyei,” he told me. “At least 95 percent of the homes were destroyed” — even those 25 feet from the United Nations base. ... “We need terms of arbitration — specifics,” Williamson said. “If 50,000 people who’ve had their lives shattered isn’t enough for you to take responsibility for your own solution, then the U.S. cannot impose one.” Disgusted, he told both sides, “If you think I’m a junkyard dog, wait until January.”
article: The Man for a New Sudan

6/13/08 Insider details from Sudan

I received this from a New York City Coalition activist:

"Latest from Khartoum and Darfur.

1- There is fighting in East Darfur (Um Kaddada area) between Rebels and GoS troops. Some villages in the
area were bombed by GoS airplanes.

2- In Khartoum: The wife of a human rights lawyer has been detained with her 9 month old baby.

3- More detentions of Darfuris (professionals, students, ordinary people) is still going on with horrible
stories of torture,

4- Ruling party supporters attacked Darfuri students in the dormitories of University of Khartoum within
the university campuses this last thursday. The ruling party supporters were led by security agents. The
Darfuri students were beaten with ends of pistols, steel bars, burning acids (sulphuric acids), some
thrown to the concrete slab from 2nd floor dormitories. The Darfuri students were denied medical treatment and
now some may face amputation of limbs, loss of eyes, or wound poisoning."

6/13/08 EVENTS:

I don't normally list events that aren't national, but I'd like to highlight a couple that I've heard about recently.
Denver - June 22 - UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE & WORLD REFUGEE DAY - Held by Rocky Mountain Survivors Center @ Bill Roberts School - 3:00 PM
New York - June 17 - DEMO AT THE UN - Ralph Bunche Park - 2:00 PM (Signs should be addressed to US and China asking for immediate action)

6/13/08 Al Bashir at it again...

article: UN Council's Africa trip brings mixed results
"On the negative side, Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir told the council he would never cooperate with the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, who alleges his government is involved in crimes against humanity in Darfur."

I'll give you the quick notes on this one:
- International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has been urging for the arrest of Ahmad Harun, former Sudanese Minister of the State of the Interior and Ali Kushayb, a leader of a sect of the Janjaweed militia.
- The Sudanese government responded by labeling Moreno-Ocampo a "terrorist" and wanted him arrested.
- Now the Sudanese government will not work with him.

"Al-Bashir also insisted the humanitarian situation in Darfur ''is witnessing clear improvement,'' which dismayed U.S. Deputy Ambassador Alejandro Wolff and other council members who had just visited a camp in North Darfur where violence has forced food rations to be cut in half.

The Sudanese leader agreed to protect humanitarian convoys carrying aid from Port Sudan to Darfur. He also stressed that Sudan was determined to find a political solution in Darfur and urged U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to quickly appoint a mediator, an appeal backed by many council members."

6/13/08 More reports on crime affecting relief workers getting into Darfur

"A crime wave has taken hold of Darfur. Carjackings, armed robberies and the occasional murder largely have targeted aid workers, who now say they long for an easier time in the region — when all they had to worry about was war between Darfur's rebels and nomads and the Sudanese government. The roads were safer then. In humanitarian circles, war is easy. Crime is hard."
On Monday last week, it happened to UNICEF. On Tuesday, it happened to Doctors Without Borders. And on Wednesday, it happened to a truck driver called Adam Ahmad Osman (World Food Program).
"Nearly every aid organization has been hit, and even Sudanese government ministries have been carjacked. This year, bandits have snatched 76 World Food Program trucks; 35 drivers are still missing. And yet, when people commit such crimes, they end up robbing themselves. "
article: Darfur Crime Wave Hinders Aid Efforts

6/12/08 REMINDER | World Refugee Day is June 20th!

The IRC is just one place you can find some events. I know there are likely many more, so please google your city or state to look for an event near you.
IRC World Refugee Day

6/12/08 The Darfur issue needs to be expanded to Sudan

The conflict in Darfur spills over into many other areas of Sudan, so I will soon be making some changes; Specifically to highlight the even larger numbers of killed and displaced on the homepage. I think we need to look at Sudan as a whole. We know the (estimated) number of people displaced inside Darfur, but that does not include the number that have fled to other areas for refuge. I've found different reports claiming the overall number of people affected in Sudan is closer to 4.2 to 5.4 million.  It is also estimated that closer to 100,000 die each month.

The humanitarian assistance is extremely vulnerable and at risk:
"Bandits and other armed assailants continue to target humanitarian workers throughout Darfur. On March 19, OCHA reported that, since January, 3 humanitarian staff have been killed, 3 have been injured, and 55 have been kidnapped. Since January, relief agencies have reported 61 hijackings of humanitarian vehicles and 3 attacks on relief convoys. According to the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), 36 WFP-contracted trucks and 24 drivers remain missing. On March 24, unidentified gunmen killed a WFP-contracted driver and seriously injured the driver's assistant on the road to Nyala, South Darfur. On April 1, WFP-contracted drivers blocked a main road north of Nyala to protest the deteriorating security situation and demand additional security measures for contracted humanitarian vehicles."
article: Relief Web

6/12/08 China & Sudan

"Sudan and China today signed eight agreements covering such fields as economic and technological cooperation, finance, agriculture and public health;" (June 11, 2008)
article: Sudan Tribune

6/11/08 Today I vent, and I ask for your help...

Last night I watched Frontline on PBS - "On our watch".
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/darfur/?campaign=pbshomefeatures_1_frontlinebronourwatch_2008-06-10

It made me very angry, and I had every intent to "blog" a heated rant today, but that would get us nowhere.  I had to remind myself that the purpose of this site is to inform and encourage others to take action, and we must keep fighting.  The show itself was great and informative (and you can view it on the link above).  I only say that it made me angry in the sense that I am frustrated beyond belief that all of our efforts and all of the steps we have gained are often just held up by paperwork. Beyond that, efforts are held up by heads of departments, the UN and votes that seem frivolous.  And, why on earth do we keep putting requests to Sudan to cease, then let them decide if they will or not?  Why are they even given an option?  It's like seeing a kid hitting another kid and asking him, "Would you be willing to stop hitting him?"  Without consequences, why would he stop if he's being given the choice?  And why would you even ask him rather than demanding that he stop and making sure he did.
 
On a positive note, the movement is catching on like none before this, and steps have been made. But where my disappointment arises is that we can do and do and do, over and over; we can get some people in power to care, and they can submit as many reports and requests as they want, but when it comes down to it - they let Sudan have the last say. How on earth is that expected to work when they are the problem?
Perfect example: The ICC charged a man with war crimes.  Does Sudan arrest him or hand him over?  No they put him in charge of the humanitarian aid being distributed to the people he has personally attacked. 

I am at a loss of words, and to the end of my frustration - short of physically getting on a plane and showing up to someone's door pounding (which would get me nowhere). I need to figure out some new methods.  This is where I think the "movement" needs to be brought to a new level. We need to be overwhelming. We need to handle this professionally, but make ourselves more visible because we are not going away. 

The other thing that bothers me is that the messages I was hearing from refugees a year ago was that the people believed we would help them.  That's why I started this.  The impressions I seem to get lately are that they don't think anyone will help them now.  No one is coming.  They've been sitting there too long.  They move to camps, they wait for camps and they sit in the camps ready to be hit again.  One woman was asked if she was worried about getting attacked again, and she said it didn't matter because she just wants to die.  2 million sitting there, either desperate to fight back or just die.  It's brutally unfair to have to live like that. 

What I would like to do, and what I plan to look into, is that I want to get letters to these people somehow.  If we can get letters written from around the world and somehow get them to these camps, then maybe we can give them hope again.  Hope is a powerful tool!  Maybe we can remind them that we are fighting, that we do care, that we haven't forgotten them and that we will continue as long as we have to. At least that way we'd be  helping them mentally, while we pushed to get more action taken.  Maybe this is a grand idea that will never work, but I still want to try.  I remember being a kid away from home at camp, and I lived for receiving  a letter from my parents.  It was rejuvenating, and it helped me to get through the remaining days there, knowing they were thinking of me.  Now think of that on an extremely larger scale for people that have nothing left to make them want to even fight to live. 
If you have ANY ideas, info, feedback or resources on how we could do this, PLEASE e-mail me: info@betheirmessenger.org.  I will be researching! 

"I believe that hope survives, love prevails, tears cleanse, memories comfort, faith soothes, good thoughts reassure, and that our belief in a better place calms the heart."

6/10/08 Sudan agreement on Abyei reached

"Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir and the southern leader Salva Kiir are to use international arbiters in a dispute over the contested town of Abyei.
An estimated 50,000 people fled from the oil-rich area during violent clashes last month which many feared could reignite a bloody civil war.
After intense negotiations the two sides have now agreed on an interim administration for Abyei.
The region's boundary is to be decided by international arbitration.
New joint army units and police will be deployed to the town and measures will be taken to help thousands of displaced people return home"
...
article: BBC

6/10/08 Major props to everyone that is paying attention to their stocks.

Personally, I had no idea how many "offenders" I was investing in and this took me quite some time to look at all the investments in my 401k. I spoke with my financial advisor and he suggested we find some more "socially aware" groups to invest in. I really appreciated his willingness to work with me on that.

"Activist groups urging fund firms to divest from companies doing business in Sudan are finding evidence that stocks of some of the companies have delivered lower returns than some of their peers that have no connection to the country...
"We have been engaging with these companies for more than two years. Of those companies, nine have either committed to withdraw their operations or undertake humanitarian steps in Sudan," Ms.Choi said."
article: Activists hail data as reason to avoid Sudan-linked firms
For more information, visit Sudan Divestment Task Force

6/10/08 UN agency cuts flights & Aid to Darfur

"The UN World Food Programme is cutting air services to Darfur, reducing the ability of 14,000 aid workers to travel to the Sudanese region...
A spokesman for Oxfam in Khartoum said the changes would have a big impact on their ability to reach remote areas in Darfur.
He said increased insecurity in the region meant they relied on the service to get to four out of their seven projects and that any further cuts could be disastrous. "
article: BBC

6/09/08 Waging Peace uncovers evidence of trafficking and forced recruitment of child soldiers from the refugee camps on the Chad / Sudan Border

"The men claim that children who have fled the violence in Darfur to the supposed safety of the refugee camps are being kidnapped in broad daylight and sold to armed groups operating close by. ...The trafficking has taken place with the tacit approval of the Chadian government who are on site at the camps. "
article: Waging Peace

6/09/08 "the people of Darfur would be eliminated"

"Luis Moreno-Ocampo warned this week that without “increased assistance from the international community, the people of Darfur would be eliminated.”

"Moreno-Ocampo’s outrage centered on the international communities failure to bring to justice Ahmad Harun, former Sudanese Minister of the State of the Interior and Ali Kushayb, a leader of a sect of the Janjaweed militia. Each man has been charged with rape, murder, forced displacement and other war crimes, and each has yet to be charged. Harun is now in charge of the governments humanitarian affairs, giving him power over how and when aid agencies can deliver food, medicine and shelter to displaced and others similarly affected."

"the entire Sudanese state has been mobilized to “plan, commit, and cover up crimes” in Darfur."

article: CNN & UN Security Council

6/07/08 Sudan: Security Council Team And President Hold Talks in Khartoum

●" President al Bashir has informed the Council delegation that an agreement was reached yesterday between his side and the Government of South Sudan to resolve the dispute over Abyei"
● "That agreement will be debated by the Parliament of South Sudan today and, if approved, will become effective on 10 June,"
● "In addition, Council members said they regretted that the President continues to reject any possibility of Sudan cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC), contrary to its obligations under Security Council resolution 1593, which also Sudan to arrest and surrender those indicted by the Court."
● "Despite arrest warrants being issued last April ...men - accused of committing war crimes - have yet to be apprehended."
article: Talks in Khartoum

6/07/08 LRA asks for one more chance.
Wow, you think he'd show up this time?!

"The Lord's Resistance Army rebels have asked Uganda, the DR Congo together with the UN and the Government of South Sudan to stay a military strike against them as they explore a last chance to a peace settlement."

"Kony's snubbing of the mediators in April dashed hopes that he would sign the final deal to end over two decades of war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced 2 million more...
Meanwhile, reports we could not independently verify say the LRA overran an SPLA barracks in Nabanga on Thursday killing the commander, a major, and injuring some 21 soldiers in a battle that lasted at least four hours.
Diplomatic sources say the rebels struck the barracks in what appears to have been a pre-emptive strike after they suspected that the Ugandan army was using the place as a base to prepare attacks against their forces.
Kony is wanted by the International Criminal Court for multiple war crimes including massacres, rapes and abducting thousands of children to use as fighters and sex slaves."
article: LRA Asks for One Last Chance

6/06/08 Arrest suspected war criminals in Darfur - ACTION REQUEST

Call on U.S. authorities to take action to press the government of Sudan to arrest and surrender Harun and Kushayb to the ICC. Please sign: War Criminials

6/06/08 Update from Save Darfur Coalition - ACTION REQUEST

Pass H. Res 1245 Calling for Helicopters for UNAMID
House Resolution 1245, authored by representative Capuano, urges the international community to provide helicopters for UNAMID. Call 202-244-3121 and urge your Representative to cosponsor H. Res 1245 calling for helicopters for Darfur.

Funding for Darfur
The Senate joined the House of Representatives on Tuesday to approve $800 million for Darfur. The two chambers must resolve funding differences unrelated to Darfur before President Bush can sign the funding bill.  Call 202-244-3121 and urge your legislators to reject any cuts in funding for Darfur in the FY09 Supplemental Funding Bill.

6/06/08 The American Jewish World Services has some great letter campaigns that need signatures:

Darfur can't wait: U.S. aid needed now
Strengthen Darfur peacekeeping mission
Help Us End the Healthcare Worker Crisis in Africa
Urge the U.S. to push for concrete international actions

(ajws.org)

6/06/08 Upcoming Events & some cool new finds...

I wanted to highlight some upcoming events.
● Please check out Tents of Hope and see if you can participate in your area.
● Word on the street is that Gulu Walk (for Uganda) will soon announce their 2008 Date for October.
● Run for Congo Women is in Sept/Oct. Get Involved!

● I wanted to also share this awesome website that was just sent to my attention.
Ryan Spencer Reed is a photo journalist and has a really compelling video to share about his experiences in Sudan. See Interview here.
Here is an insert from the interview:
"The word genocide never existed before 1948. In a post holocaust world, that word was created to mean 'never again.' And unfortunately, we've never once made 'never again' a reality.  In Rwanda we failed, in Bosnia we failed, in Kosovo we failed, the curds in Iraq, Cambodia, it goes on and on.  In today's millennium, in the 21st century we have our first opportunity to create a world where 'never again' is a faint possibility.  We failed miserably with Sudan in terms of Darfur, but we still have an opportunity to do the right thing, to set the right precedences, and that's ultimately why this work is so critical.  That's why this story is perhaps the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world today." (Link is also posted on my "Know Their Stories" page)

● A fellow Save Darfur Member just recorded a new original song to raise awareness for Darfur.
It can be used by others as needed for support: The Save Darfur Song

6/05/08 Congo-Kinshasa: Thousands Displaced After Rebel Attacks

"Up to 5,000 people have been displaced following a Rwandan rebel attack on two civilian camps in a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo province of North Kivu, a humanitarian official said."...
article: AllAfrica

6/05/08 UN Mission in DRC (Congo)

"MONUC said that the military situation remained relatively calm in the Democratic Republic of Congo, apart from isolated clashes in eastern DRC. Hundreds of rebels in eastern DRC also surrendered themselves to MONUC forces in the past week."
article: AllAfrica

6/05/08 Save Darfur - ACTION REQUEST

"President Bush must act now to leave the next president in the strongest possible position to help suffering civilians in Darfur.
Will you help us broadcast this message by sending a letter to the editor of your local newspaper today?"...
Click here to send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and urge President Bush to do more to end the genocide.

6/04/08 Enough Project Report
Past Due: Remove the FDLR from Eastern Congo

"In 1994, at Rwanda’s moment of greatest need, the world turned its back. The Rwandan genocide and the subsequent flight of the genocidaires into the Democratic Republic of the Congo spawned eastern Congo’s complex crisis—one that has led to the deaths of 5.4 million Congolese and threatens the future of millions more. The world has had 14 years to take action against the perpetrators of the genocide and those who now terrorize eastern Congo in their name, but the international response remains sorely inadequate. Absent an international action plan to finally remove this scourge, eastern Congo will continue to suffer."...
article: Enough Report - Past Due

6/04/08 Uganda - Counting the Cost of Uganda's War

"The people of northern Uganda have lived with war for two decades as the country's government unsuccessfully tried to quell the rebellion by the Lord's Resistance Army. No-one is unaffected. Everyone either tells a story of survival or of loss."

please click on this article from the BBC. It shows a map of a village and who has been killed or adbucted in each home.

6/04/08 (in relation to article/update below)...
The US “has no game plan” (Williamson)

Ouch. That sure stuck out in this article. This coming from the guy who is leading our team, in a matter of speaking.

""Until they want a meaningful peace, there is nothing the United States or others can do. I’ve tried my best and I leave sad and disappointed," he said following days of talks on how to resolve a crisis in Sudan’s Abyei district....

The ‘Save Darfur’ coalition issued a statement attributed to its president Jerry Fowler, saying that the decision by the US to suspend the talks “must not be an end to robust U.S. engagement to resolve the crises in Abyei and Darfur – neither of which can be solved in isolation from the other”

“The United States must use its presidency of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) this month to impose real consequences on those individuals who impede peace or order attacks on civilians” Fowler added.

But Williamson told a group of activists in a conference call last month that the US “has no game plan” during its presidency of the UNSC."

article: Sudan Tribune

6/04/08 Sudan - U.S. Halts talks for peace

"The United States suspended talks with Sudan on normalizing relations, saying that leaders from the north and south were not serious about ending fighting that has raised concerns about a return to civil war. The decision by Richard Williamson, the United States envoy to Sudan, increased pressure on both sides, which clashed last month in oil-rich Abyei. “At this point the leadership of either side is not interested in meaningful peace,” Mr. Williamson said. The United States has indicated that it wants to make sure there is peace in the south and an end to conflict in the Darfur region before agreeing to normal relations with Sudan."
article: nytimes

6/03/08 Uganda news

"The military option has finally prevailed over the voice of reason, and hopes of ever peacefully solving the 22 year old northern Uganda conflict now remain a wishful thought.

The government of Uganda has once again preferred a military approach to silence the dreaded leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Joseph Kony, but this time with the full support of other countries in the Great Lakes Region (GLR)."...
article: Monitor

6/02/08 Congo vs. Darfur...

I was in a discussion yesterday with some women from my local Save Darfur group, and we were discussing the difference in people's attention and reaction to Darfur vs. the Congo.  I just thought it was interesting and it might open up our awareness a bit.
There seems to be a difference in appeal if an area is labeled as "genocide", it seems to get more attention. If it's a government against the people, the world is on board, if it's tribe against tribe (like in the Congo), people don't pay as much attention. 
Yet the number of deaths in the Congo is at least 15 times greater than in Darfur. 
Not to say that one is worse or more deserving of attention than another, but to urge for equal attention on both.
(Thank you ladies, for your insights)

6/01/08 Abyei killings rekindle memories of Rwanda

..."The bombing in Abyei displaced nearly 50,000 in just two days. That Abyei is about five percent of Darfur – a land mass of half a million square kilometres -- where 2.5 have been displaced over five years, means that the scale of tragedy in Abyei is worse. It’s the equivalent of displacing one million people in Darfur in a single week.

Yet, this time, as every time there’s a flare up in fighting, the UN, and the international community call for dialogue between the two parties. Each time, fighting erupts again. "...
article: Sunday Monitor

(map from yahoo news)

5/30/08 DRC - Resolve Uganda Update

..."despite a nominal ceasefire, fighting in eastern DR Congo's North Kivu region has continued, causing 100,000 more civilians to be displaced over the last three months."
Resolve weekly Update

5/30/08 The town of Abyei no longer exists. (Enough Project update)

"In a paper released today, ENOUGH consultant Roger Winter reports from the field about the attack by the Khartoum-controlled Sudanese Armed Forces in Abyei. The clash displaced the town's entire civilian population and left its buildings in ashes. As this report goes to the press, the United States has not made a single public statement regarding Khartoum's instigation of violence in Abyei, the resulting humanitarian emergency, the damage done to the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, or CPA, or prospects for peace in Sudan."
report:Abyei Aflame

5/30/08 Sudan: Abyei Conflict Threatens to Escalate into Full-Scale War

"Renewed fighting in the oil-rich Abyei region over the past two weeks has destroyed the town of Abyei and displaced tens of thousands of local Dinka from their homes. The peace deal signed in 2005 - that incredible achievement ending a decades-long north-south civil war - could unravel in Abyei.

...Starting long before the Darfur crisis ever hit the headlines, this war lasted over 20 years and cost the lives of over two million people...

The deal has wobbled before, but the bloodshed in Abyei is the heaviest fighting between the two parties since the Agreement was signed. If that deal falls apart, Sudan likely falls apart.

The international community should urgently press Khartoum to withdraw the SAF's 31st Brigade from Abyei, and both parties to abide by the terms of the 18 May ceasefire and subsequent agreements"
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200805300647.html

5/29/08 US envoy seeks resolution in Sudan Abyei region

"UN officials warn that up to 90,000 people could have been displaced by two rounds of fighting this month that flattened Abyei’s once bustling main town.

The United Nations warns that the conflict could sink the three-year peace process, to which US mediation was key, that ended Africa’s longest-running civil war between north and south Sudan killed more than 1.5 million people."
article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27338

5/28/08 Darfur Coalition Update

"Not since World War II have all major presidential candidates come together on an international issue.  Until now.  Today, Senators Clinton, McCain and Obama released a joint statement condemning the violence against the people of Darfur and promising to address the issue with "unstinting resolve.'"
video and Thank You form to the candidates: http://action.savedarfur.org/campaign/thank_candidates_vid/i85xdxd4477ejeti?

5/27/08 LRA now in the Congo, abducted 100 children

This is so sad to me. I started all this a couple years ago after I learned about the LRA in Uganda.
Apparently the LRA has now moved over to the DRC.... As if the DRC could get any worse!

"Human Rights Watch has learned that since February 2008 the insurgent Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) group has carried out at least 100 abductions, and perhaps many more, in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Southern Sudan. Boys are made to act as porters or subjected to military training and girls are being used as sex slaves..."
this article is from 5/19, so it does not include the information about Kony refusing to sign the peace agreement. http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/05/19/uganda18863.htm

A different article mentions that his estimate of 100 could actually be several times higher.
"Two former abductees escaped from their captivity on the night of April 1, 2008 and arrived at Dungu (DRC) on April 7. They reported that the “LRA strength is 1,200 with almost half being new abductees."

Keep in mind that " According to (a 2006) survey, at least 66,000 youth between the ages of 13 and 30 have been abducted (by the LRA)." I will definitely be updating this figure on my home page, and I am not sure yet if this survey includes the younger children (as young as six) as part of these estimates.

5/27/08 Congo Global Action - ACTION REQUEST

House Resolution 1227 has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning the sexual violence occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo and calling for the United States and the international community to demand an end to this cycle of violence.

Contact your Member of Congress today and ask them to support the women of the DRC by becoming a co-sponsor of H.Res. 1227!
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

To learn more about H.Res. 1227, please visit http://thomas.loc.gov/

5/27/08 Newly added features to the site!
Tell your Story | Know Their stories

If you notice on the right, there are 2 new buttons. I wanted to offer a place where refugees, survivors or family members that have experiences from the conflicts in either Darfur, Congo or Uganda, can go and share their story.  Then others can view these stories on the "know" page and really identify the personalized experiences.  I believe the world needs to put a name and a personal story to the tragedies.
I also plan to send each story I get, individually to our president, with the hopes that I can overwhelm him.
Our mission is to be their messenger: get their stories out, make their voices heard and believe that people will then pay attention and apply political and international pressure to implement change.  I think just being aware of it is a very significant first step.

If you have access to refugees or survivors of family members of people with these experiences, please pass this information on to them and let them know that I would love to acknowledge what they have been through.

5/26/08 Bad news in Uganda

"Mr Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, has said he will not sign any peace agreement with the government of Uganda, essentially dashing any hope for a negotiated settlement to his two-decade long rebellion."
...
"He said it was better for him to die fighting than surrender and be killed"
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200805260413.html

I guess it shouldn't be surprising, but it's still extremely disappointing because Uganda was holding a "truce" with Kony and there had been some relief from fighting and a decrease in the abduction of child-soldiers. The fact that he let the agreement expire and says he will die fighting, means this area could end up back in "war" and the children remain extremely vulnerable, not to mention the number of displaced. For more detailed history on this conflict you can check out my Uganda page.

5/25/08 "We have been to the centre of Abyei and it doesn't exist any more,"

I recall from a recent conference call that Abyei was said to actually be more voilent than Darfur. It sounds to me now like Abyei is totally empty at this point.

"Scavenger birds pick through the charred remains of houses and shops in the central Sudanese town of Abyei, four days after violent clashes between troops from the North and South of the country ended."

article: Tensions flare in central Sudan

5/25/08 Oh the ever-present question...

"Five years since the conflict in Darfur began, BBC News website's World Affairs correspondent Paul Reynolds asks why international concern has not been translated into effective intervention."

"It is not from lack of knowledge. "
...
"If the US had not done Iraq, it might have done Darfur, but the mood in the West was that this was an African problem and an African solution should be sought. "
...
"If there was genocide, then it happened in 2003/4. By the time the world got round to acting, it was too late."
article: All Talk & No action

5/24/08 UNHCR Helps Ugandan Refugees in Zambia to Return Home

News from Africa reports: "UNHCR has began a voluntary repatriation of an estimated 200 Ugandan refugees living in Zambia. The operation is already underway, with 39 returnees being airlifted to Uganda on May 21. Some of the refugees have spent over twenty years in Zambia, having fled Uganda during the 1985 ouster of Ugandan President Milton Obote. UNHCR expects to complete the repatriations, which will cost US$210,000, by the end of this year."

5/23/08 Dozens of gunmen on horseback ambush peacekeepers

"KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) -- The United Nations has said dozens of men on horseback armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades have ambushed Nigerian peacekeepers serving with the joint U.N.-African Union force in Darfur."
article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/23/Darfur.attacks.ap/index.html

5/23/08 Update from Resolve Uganda

Full article Here: Resolve Uganda Weekly Roundup

• Joseph Kony yet again failed “to show up one week ago to meet with the peace delegation”

• … “there is no reason to believe that efforts to find peace will fail just because they have failed before. You have to keep the wheels turning" (Powell 2008:322).”

• A chronic lack of basic services - safe water, schools and health centers - continues to hinder the return home of the over one million people displaced in northern Uganda.

• Reports of rebel abductions in Central African Republic, DR Congo and southern Sudan continue

• This week, a hidden cluster bomb exploded in Pader District, killing seven children. An unknown number of landmines and other unexploded ordinances remain buried in northern Uganda, posing a threat to civilians returning home.

• Another new report shows that displaced persons in northern Uganda demonstrate high rates of symptoms attributed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the related survey, 75% of respondents said they had witnessed the murder of a family member or friend. 56% reported having been beaten or tortured.

• The international community appears to be confused and quickly losing interest in the northern Uganda peace process, especially after the failed meeting with Joseph Kony

  Click here to send an email to your member of Congress to make sure they know that peace is possible and that their action can help achieve it.

5/22/08 A ray of Light in the Congo

I am a big supporter of Food for the Hungry and World Vision. It was nice to get this encouraging story from World Vision today. Sometimes hearing about all of the bad news can be very overwhelming, so it's nice to get these glimmers of hope.

"I am sufficiently feeding my family (of 8 children)," says one mom in the Congo, a beneficiary of World Vision’s agricultural assistance program."
article: A Smile for All Seasons

5/22/08 Side Note...

I realize that my site does not focus on areas outside of Uganda, Darfur and DRC at this time, but I just want to make mention of the fact that Ethiopia is in extreme need for food right now - "2.7 million Ethiopians will need emergency food aid" (CNN). Also, there is a lot of fighting going on in Zimbabwe & South Africa. If you are a praying person, I urge you to also keep these areas in mind. Thanks!

If you would like to donate towards the food crisis in Ethiopia, GOAL & Unicef seem to be heading some major food programs over there.

5/22/08 CNN, "Fighting in Sudan town raises civil war fears"

"Fighting resumed Tuesday in a disputed oil-rich town in Sudan, threatening to reignite a calamitous civil war which ended three years ago.
...The deal's Comprehensive Peace Agreement ended a north-south civil war that killed about 2 million people and displaced more than 4 million others.
...The civil war in Sudan, which started in 1983, pitted a northern government dominated by Arab Muslims against black Christians and animists in southern Sudan."
article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/21/sudan.fighting/index.html

5/21/08 I would like to highlight this piece from Women for Women International

"War is not a computer-generated missile striking a digital map.  War is the color of earth as it explodes in our faces, the sound of a child pleading, the smell of smoke and fear.  Women survivors of war are not the single image portrayed on the television screen, but the glue that holds families and countries together.  Perhaps by understanding women, and the other side of war...we will have more humility in our discussions of wars...perhaps it is time to listen to women's side of history."
- Zainab Salbi, President and CEO of Women for Women International
Click on video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egHc6EoybqQ

5/20/08 Invisible Children - BLUE is for Roseline
("Spiderman come and save me")

I have to give props to Invisible Children because they are what got me started in all of this.
If you are familiar with them, you know that they come out with a new color on their bracelets to represent a new child's story. I love these bracelets! I also love that they are supplying jobs to the locals to create these bracelets. They just launched "Blue is for Roseline". Please check out the trailer for her story here: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/mailers/roseline/video/index.html?utm_source=video_
mailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=roseline

If you order a bracelet you also get a DVD with the story. PLEASE check them out! This is a phenomenal organization!

5/19/08 "WE WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT TOMORROW WE WILL BE KILLED WITH OUR FAMILIES"

article: http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/10/04/reviews/
981004.04soyinkt.html?_r=2&oref=slogin

I came across this headline at nytimes today and of course it caught my attention. I read over the article and it seems to be a very interesting book about the Rwandan genocide. I can't help but think that we are going through this all over again in Darfur. It seems to me that so many people do not know what is happening right now. Sadly, a lot of people still don't know what happened in Rwanda either. It's my opinion that had the world made us more aware of the past genocide, we would be a bit more sensitive to allowing another one to take place as we speak.
We need to hold Sudan accountable. There needs to be consequences. As I mentioned in an update from last week, Sudan thinks they can just run off the clock with us until we have a new president. We need to make sure that doesn't happen. We have people over there, working to make a difference but they lack the political backup necessary to implement much of anything. Please continue to apply pressure to our leaders. http://www.betheirmessenger.org/getinvolved.html

Please take time to sign the petitions I have listed on the right side of the page →
Every action helps!

5/19/08 "Congo’s Death Rate Unchanged Since War Ended"

"Five years after Congo’s catastrophic war officially ended, the rate at which people are dying in the country remains virtually unchanged, according to a new survey, despite the efforts of the world’s largest peacekeeping force, billions of dollars in international aid and a historic election that revived democracy after decades of violence and despotism."...

..."The Congolese government spends just $15 per person each year on health care,"...

This study shows that it's possible that up to 7.8 million people have died since the war in 1998. That's vastly greater than the usual figure of 5.4 million.
Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/world/africa/23congo.html
The photo on this page is heart breaking.

Please also see
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/2007/10-25-2007.cfm
"Over the past few months new waves of fighting in the North Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have caused the massive displacement of an already weakened civilian population. While no precise number can be given, several hundreds of thousands of people are thought to have been displaced by the violence since the beginning of the year. Many are said to be living in the forest without adequate shelter, water, medical care or food and under the continuous threat of insecurity, too scared to travel to health clinics."...
(More incredible photos on this site)

5/15/08 Photographer's Journal: Peacekeepers in Darfur

"As Darfur smolders in the aftermath of a new government offensive, a new peacekeeping force is in danger of failing even as it begins."
Audio & Slideshow:
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/world/20080325_DARFUR_FEATURE/index.html

5/14/08 ENOUGH Project - Update (related to Sudan Activist Call Update below)

"The unprecedented attack on a suburb of Khartoum by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) demonstrates once again the urgent need for a credible and inclusive peace process to resolve the crisis in Darfur. It is too early to predict what effect the attack will have on the political and military dynamics of the conflict going forward, but Sudan's ruling National Congress Party is making clear that its response will focus on civilians. The government and its proxies are launching a new round of assaults against civilian targets in Darfur and we are receiving credible reports of arrests, beatings, disappearances, and executions of Darfuri civilians (particularly Zaghawa) in Khartoum and Omdurman. Today's alarming reports of heavy fighting in Abyei--a flashpoint that threatens to ignite full scale civil war--further underscore the urgent need for sustained, high-level diplomacy. To prevent the further deterioration of  the volatile situation in Sudan, ENOUGH and the Save Darfur Coalition urge the U.S. government and the international community to take immediate steps to launch and sustain an all-encompassing peace process that addresses the local and national issues that are fueling conflict."

Read ENOUGH's Re-Released report  "Creating a Peace to Keep in Darfur"

To learn more about the violence in the Abyei region of Sudan, read ENOUGH's report, "Sounding the Alarm on Abyei"

5/14/08 Sudan Activist call 5/14/08

With Gayle Smith, Co-Chair of the ENOUGH Project & Omer Ismail, ENOUGH advisor

“The fighting in the capital between the rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and government forces is a dramatic escalation of the conflict in Sudan, and the Sudanese government has already begun to retaliate. The attack complicates the already tense relationship with Chad and will bring even more violence to Darfur. Please join the call for fresh perspectives, analysis, and recommendations on how to prevent a further deterioration of the crisis in Sudan.”

NOTES:

Current status: The rebels have been pushed back or retreated.

Regarding the attack -

• The government of Sudan has the ability to mobilize people and tell them what to think.
• JEM exploits the government.
• The message JEM wants to convey from this attack  - “this has pierced the veil of instability”.
• It will encourage other Darfuri movements.
• It’s not inconceivable that more attacks could happen.
• People are trekking from all over Darfur to join JEM because they are sick of the government.  JEM is appealing to all of them.
• JEM leader says this is only the beginning..  Violence will continue.
• Reports that elements of the Sudan army may have taken part in the attack, which is what JEM wanted – to show vulnerability of the government. 
• 68,000 people in the army were “sacked” and replaced with militia.
• JEM was hitting military targets.  They were not trying to hurt civilians.  There are even reports that they yelled at civilians to leave the area.  Most of the bodies found were of JEM rebels.
• They first attacked the airport that was using aircrafts to attack Darfur.  But the government knew they were coming and moved the aircrafts.
• The attacks MAY have been a result of the recent bombing of a school.  After the school was bombed, the government refused to allow air support to come in and airvac critically injured students.  A five year old girl with a broken back had to be put on a truck. 

Government reaction –

• They are searching out the rebels and offering ransom.  They are pulling people out of public transport & homes.  Mobs are forming outside of the government.
• Anybody expected to be Darfurian is rounded up.  Severe Human Rights violations.

Questions:

• Any chance the state department might warn the government of Sudan?  Will they make any statement other than condemning JEM?

- (Gale) I think congress is unlikely to overlook it.

• Activists need to apply pressure not to condone Khartoum to respond to attacks.
• Closing the air space is an indication of something going on and is not a good sign. 
• This affects flow of assistance to vulnerable groups & will not allow movement of civilian monitors.
• Civil Society Activists groups are vulnerable of arrests, etc.  They are being forced to pick a side.
• Government is not allowing people to mourn over deaths related to JEM.
• Reported riots in and between Chad & Sudan.

Egypt –
It’s reported that Egypt is getting involved even though attack is over. 
Egypt is always on the side of the Sudan Government & not the people.
It’s all because of the water.  85% of the water going to Egypt is going through Sudan..
Egypt condemned JEM even though they did their own fact finding mission on what was happening in Darfur – and did not publish it.
Egypt is very up front about their control over water.
US has a habit of following Egypt’s lead.

MEDIA -

• Press has to get clearance before publishing news.  People are trying to get reports out through the internet.  International presence is there (like BBC) but they are filtered and hindered from getting accurate information.

Regarding Sudan vs. Chad -

• Reason gov. of Sudan is trying to replace Chad is so they can crush Darfur.  Right now they can only take military actions.
• Chad is trying to help Darfur.  JEM was armed by Chad.
• Many attempts to reconcile Chad/Sudan but Deby and Bashir don’t trust each other.  They are using proxy militias to realize their own ambitions.

IF WE CAN SECURE PEACE IN DARFUR, THERE WILL BE NO MORE REASON FOR SUDAN AND CHAD TO CONTINUE ON WITH CROSS BORDER SQUIRMISHES.

• There is a desperate need for a peace processes, not just talks.
• We need full time diplomatic engagement.
• There is no alternative but war right now.
• The peace process needs to be inclusive. 
• It’s imperative that the solutions have the interest of all Sudanese people.
• We need to press the international community.

• Instead of having a peace process broken into one in the North, one in the South, one in the East, one in the West, we need to tie them into one peace process for all of Sudan.

5/14/08 Conference call from 5/1/08 (Darfur)

I am finally getting a chance to post my notes from this call. Bare with me because most of it is just bullet points or actions or key bits of information that I found interesting. I was very pleased with how transparent and honest each of these speakers were. I could definitely feel their frustration as they are trying to make progress on big issues but lack the backup necessary to implement it. I have copied the list of speakers that were in attendance, and my notes are below.

• Richard Williamson, the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, will discuss the current situation on the ground and address the issue of normalization of relations with Khartoum;
• Roger Winter, former State Department Special Representative for Sudan, will discuss the breakdown of the C.P.A., specifically in the oil-rich region of Abyei;
• Omer Ismail, ENOUGH advisor, will provide an update on the Darfur peace process and what is needed to get it back on track;
• Alex Meixner of the Save Darfur Coalition will talk about significant upcoming legislation and what you can do to support it;
• Colin Thomas-Jensen of ENOUGH will discuss the fragile situation between Chad and Sudan;
• Jessica Anderson of the Genocide Intervention Network will highlight what you can do to ensure that the next president makes Darfur a priority.
• Scott Warren of STAND will highlight reports from the recent Global Day for Darfur and introduce STAND's new student director, Nick Gaw.

Williamson –

• Concern: lack of transparency on oil revenue sharing & mischief in census
• The punishment for the  government of Sudan for its actions will be based in part on their taking steps for improvement.
• Expecting 3,600 more troops on the ground in June.
• 8-9,000 more by end of year.
• The UN doesn’t have the ability to “absorb all those right now”
• Frustrated – budget for UNAMID was 1.28 billion through the end of June, they’ve only spent 26% of it.  WHY!?  The camps do not have water or basic needs.
• Helicopters remain a problem, but it’s not the biggest problem.  They need troops on the ground immediately and nothing can be improved without ‘securing’ the area first.

The bleed of troubles from Chad into Darfur:
Why is this happening?

• Disproportional conflict.
• Chad rebels represent threat to power.
• Hoping government of Sudan doesn’t do disproportionate counter-attacks.

Roger Winter  -

• Peace agreement signed by Kartoum 4 times, never implemented.
• Abyei is actually more violent than Darfur – they have no defined future, no boundaries.
• Why isn’t the US addressing Abyei?
• The US was the author of protocol, the expectation was to implement it.
• There’s been no consequence for kartoum saying NO.
• Abyei dynamics are near and similar to Darfur.  They see in their own agreement with kartoum the same pattern of signing without implementation.  So they think – why sign?

Chad/Sudan Proxy War

• Recent peace deal is not a step forward because the war continues.  4 deals signed in 2 years and nothing implemented.
• We need a mediator.  Libia and Senegal have tried but we need a greater involvement from the US & French.  We need peacekeepers in Chad immediately.  It’s operational but not fully deployed.  We need to change mandates to monitor cease fire instead of just civilian protection.
• We need to staunch the flow of weapons.
• Violated arms treaty not fully implemented. 
• Pressure on parties to change calculations.
• (Omar) – peace process in Darfur is not going anywhere.  The CPA (Comprehensive peace agreement) is falling apart.
  
  Details on CPA - http://www.genocideintervention.net/page/faq#CPA

SAVE DARFUR
House Resolution 1011 passed yesterday – related to activist pressure. Every letter you send has an effect.  Congress is feeling it

Askthecandidates.org
Cinton, Obama and McCain called on Bush to boycott the opening ceremonies.  The 3 candidates say they will not attend. 

We need to encourage all 3 candidates to determine a Darfur policy and post it on their webpage. 
Please sign the petition! Sign the petition below and ask the candidate's foreign policy advisors to develop a Darfur policy and prioritize this policy in the campaign.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1432/t/6430/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=23750

Also - I like their buttons. I got a 6" one to hang in my office. They say "I VOTE FOR DARFUR" which basically sends the message that regardless of who you are voting for, we want EACH of the candidates to know that THIS is our issue and it must be addressed. So order a button and wear it when you attend any political events, and especially when you go to vote.

http://www.askthecandidates.org/gear

** Single most significant action needed – Bipartisan pressure to hold Sudan accountable.
** It would be a shame to lose the next 8 or 9 months if Sudan thinks they can run off the clock until the new administration.
** If the peace agreement breaks down, Darfur doesn’t have a chance.

Here is some additional information on Abyei:
http://www.enoughproject.org/reports/soundingalarmabyei
http://www.enoughproject.org/abyei
http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2005/1026_sudan.html

5/13/08 Counter-attacks on Darfuri Civilians - ACTION!

Save Darfur Update:

"Violence in Sudan is escalating. The Justice and Equality Movement, a Darfuri rebel group, attacked Khartoum on Saturday in an attempt to topple the Sudanese regime. The government has reportedly stopped the attempt.

In retaliation to the attacks, there is already news of widespread atrocities against Darfuri civilians.

Reports indicate that the government is detaining, torturing and killing Darfuris in and around Khartoum, and that janjaweed militias have commenced attacks in North Darfur. The international community must demand an immediate end to atrocities, speed up deployment of peacekeepers, and make clear to all sides that there is no violent solution to this conflict.

Click here to tell President Bush to immediately use all diplomatic and economic tools necessary to help end attacks against innocent Darfuri civilians.

The situation in Darfur is dire. Violence is affecting every aspect of life in Darfur, including food supplies. The U.N. has been forced to cut its food aid shipments in half because its trucks are often hijacked before they get to the people in need.

President Bush must immediately use the full force of American diplomacy to urge all sides to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and to begin a just and inclusive peace process. President Bush must also use the U.S. presidency of the U.N. Security Council in June to ensure full deployment of the UNAMID peacekeeping force for Darfur, and to punish those who attack civilians.

The international community is falling tragically short of our mandate and our moral obligation in Darfur. There is hope, but only if the most powerful actors on the world stage are serious about ending the genocide."

5/13/08 Save Darfur - CORRECTION on previous report:
Sudan doubles bounty for Darfur rebel to $250,000

article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/13/AR2008051300801.html

5/13/08 Genocide Intervention Update

"Two weeks ago, we asked the anti-genocide community to tell Director Jim Nussle in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act. If you took action, your message was one of more than 1,300 messages that were sent to Director Nussle that day.  

OMB staff contacted us soon after, saying they were unaware of the 120-day deadline but after receiving your messages they will implement the relevant provisions in the next week or two! Thanks to your action, OMB appears to be taking its responsibilities more seriously. 

Let's continue the success: Action needed to fund peacekeepers. 
Today, we ask that you join us in another critical action.

The United States still owes $334 million to the United Nations for peacekeepers in Darfur. Without the money to pay the peacekeepers and provide them with necessary resources, the people of Darfur cannot be protected. The longer we wait, the longer it will take UNAMID to deploy!"

Please call 1-800-GENOCIDE today.

5/12/08 "The whole world should respond vigorously to a nation that barbarously bombs kindergartners..."

article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27104

"Let’s at least grant the dignity of names to the victims of this most recent barbarism:"

● Fatima Suleiman Adam Omar, 3rd grade, 10 years old
● Fatima Ahmad Bashir, 2nd grade, 8 years old
● Mubarak Mohammed Ahmad, 3rd grade, 10 years old
● Yusuf Adam Hamid, kindergarten, 5 years old
● Munira Suleiman Adam, 2nd grade, 7 years old
● Adam Ahmad Yusuf, 4th grade, 11 years old

"How would Americans respond if terrorists acting on behalf of another country deliberately killed, with complete military impunity, six young children in one of our nation’s schools? Outrage would bring the country to a halt. It would change the very nature of the presidential campaign. News coverage would be unending. Washington’s response against the offending nation would be swift and destructive.

And yet in Darfur, an act all too analogous barely registers here. Darfur’s victims are people whose lives have long since endured a ghastly moral discounting. These are not "our children," these are not "our problems," this is not "our responsibility."

5/12/08 Sudan - $125 million reward to capture a rebel leader

article:http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27110

..."Question is: if a army of a poor country that stands out today by all development criteria as an underdeveloped space lacking political stability and the least minimum standards of basic needs, to say nothing of social welfare programs for the majority populace, can possibly offer US$125 millions to capture a single citizen opposed to a ruling junta, how come the same government that provided the “millionaire army” with all these monies isn’t able to spend these same amounts of oil-money to return the Darfuri displaced million humans to their dispossessed homelands and peaceful life by the same wrong-doer government and army?!"...

5/11/08 Thinking of all the mothers out there today, sitting in a vast desert without any basic human needs such as water, food, shelter or protection. Regardless of all the horrific and inhumane traumas that have attempted to steal their spirit, they still remain; always protecting their children. Some women are still grasping on to their baby even as they are being attacked, and they continue to carry them through the jungles as they are kidnapped and tortured. These women never give up on their children. Above all else, I wish I could give them a Happy Mother's Day. They so deserve that.

5/8/08 Urgent opportunity for action: 10,000 signatures in 48 hours
Resolve Uganda - Update

"In two days, local leaders from northern Uganda will be trekking back into the jungle this weekend, perhaps for the last time, to meet with LRA leader Joseph Kony. They'll be trying to convince him to sign onto the final peace agreement that would formally end Uganda's 22-year war.

And we want them to go knowing they have the support of people around the world who still believe that peace is possible. That's why we need your help today."

We've set the goal of having 10,000 people sign onto the statement of support for the peace negotiations by the time this meeting takes place on Saturday.

5/8/08 To Come...

I'm working on putting together my notes from the ENOUGH, STAND, GI-Net, and Save Darfur's monthly activist conference call last week. We were able to get some very honest information directly from Richard Williamson, the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, as well as Roger Winter, former State Department Special Representative for Sudan, and many other key figures from ENOUGH, STAND and Save Darfur. There was a lot of great information and I'm sorting through 7 full pages of notes. I will keep you posted!

Save Darfur Update - ACTION!

"The Sudanese government bombed a Darfuri school on Sunday, killing at least 13 people, including seven children. The international community didn't respond for more than 48 hours.

The attack—and the miserable response—is yet another example of the world's failure to protect the people of Darfur. The U.N. approved a peacekeeping force for Darfur ten months ago. Less than a third of that force has reached Darfur.

But we have an opportunity to make sure the world keeps its promise to the people of Darfur when the U.S. assumes the presidency of the U.N. Security Council on June 1."

Help us meet our goal to send 75,000 messages to President Bush before June 1 urging him to help bring peace and security to the people of Darfur.

"In last year's State of the Union address, President Bush said: "The United States ... will continue to awaken the conscience of the world to save the people of Darfur."

If those words mean anything at all, the President will use the leadership of the U.N. Security Council to get the peacekeepers what they need to protect the people of Darfur."

Click here to send a message to the White House. Tell the President that it's time for America to show moral leadership - with deeds, not words.

A New Peace Strategy for Northern Uganda and the LRA

"In a report released today, ENOUGH Policy Analyst Julia Spiegel and Co-Chair John Prendergast argue that there is an opportunity to build peace in northern Uganda and the region despite LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony's failure to sign a peace deal in April. "
article: http://www.enoughproject.org/reports/uganda_lra

Uganda: Kony to Meet South Sudan VP On Saturday

"LRA rebel leader, Joseph Kony will meet the Juba talks chief mediator, Dr Riek Machar this Saturday on the Sudan-Congo border, his key negotiator, Dr James Obita has said.

Talks to end LRA's 22-year insurgency stalled on April 10 when Kony failed to show up and sign a peace agreement.

"It is from the meeting with Dr Machar that Kony will propose the date he plans to sign the peace deal," Dr Obita said."

article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200805080093.html

Congo-Kinshasa: UN Fund Provides $60 Million for Humanitarian Efforts

"The "Pooled Fund" which was established by the international community in 2006 and is coordinated by the United Nations has allocated $60 million to 163 humanitarian projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)." ...
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200805071028.html

US to help equip Rwandans for Darfur peacekeeping

"The United States is helping to equip Rwandan troops who will be heading to Darfur and is trying to find helicopters for the peacekeeping force in the conflict-wracked region, the U.S. special envoy to Sudan said Wednesday.

A joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping force took over duties in Darfur in January from a beleaguered AU force to try to stem the violence. But it only has about 7,500 troops and fewer than 2,000 police on the ground, out of a total of 26,000 that have been authorized." ...

article:http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27043

Oslo donors pledge around $5 billion to Sudan

article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27038

China renews commitment to support Darfur peace process

article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27032

I'm glad China is trying to look supportive now, but what we've been pressuring them on
was to stop funding the genocide.

"China is pouring billions of dollars into Sudan. Beijing purchases an overwhelming majority of Sudan's annual oil exports and state-owned China National Petroleum Corp. — an official partner of the upcoming Olympic Games -- owns the largest shares in each of Sudan's two major oil consortia. The Sudanese government uses as much as 80% of proceeds from those sales to fund its brutal Janjaweed proxy militia and purchase their instruments of destruction: bombers, assault helicopters, armored vehicles and small arms, most of them of Chinese manufacture. Airstrips constructed and operated by the Chinese have been used to launch bombing campaigns on villages. And China has used its veto power on the U.N. Security Council to repeatedly obstruct efforts by the U.S. and the U.K. to introduce peacekeepers to curtail the slaughter."
http://endgenocide.livejournal.com/3486.html

5/6/08 Government Planes Bomb Darfur School, Kill 13

article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200805060891.html

5/6/08 US envoy urges China to use influence in Sudan

article: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article27013

5/1/08 I've received reports that two relief workers from
Save the Children were shot & killed today;
One in Darfur and one in Chad.

4/30/08 Genocide Intervention Network Update - ACTION

President Bush Misses Key Deadline for Sudan Divestment

"President Bush has missed the deadline for implementing the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act (SADA). This is unacceptable, and sends the wrong message to the Khartoum government. 

Today, instead of targeting the president, we ask you to send a message to Director Jim Nussle of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Director Nussle's office oversees the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council, which is in charge of implementing the final, missing provision of SADA. 

The Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act (SADA) was signed by President Bush on December 31, 2007. While most of the provisions of SADA were enacted immediately, the law allowed President Bush 120 days to implement the final provision that would prohibit federal contracts with foreign companies funding the genocide." ...

4/30/08

I'm not going to make any political statements here, but I find this article extremely interesting as it makes some points on why the US has not been as helpful as it could be. I really encourage you to check it out. Here are a few bits:
http://www.africaaction.org/resources/page.php?op=read&documentid=2907&type=6&issues=1024

"This Africa Action report explores the hypocrisy of U.S.-Sudan policy, on the one hand condemning genocide, and on the other working closely with Khartoum on the so-called war on terror..."

"In 1996, Khartoum went so far as to offer to turn over Osama bin Laden to the government of Saudi Arabia so that the U.S. could prosecute him, a proposal that the Clinton administration ultimately declined and resulted in the al-Qaeda chief fleeing to Afghanistan."
...
"The terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001 and George W. Bush's subsequent launch of the so-called "war on terror" brought Washington and Khartoum much closer together...As the Los Angeles Times reported in April 2005, the CIA flew Salah Abdallah Gosh, then head of the Mukhabarat, via private jet to Washington for a series of secret meetings with the CIA and other U.S. security agencies.
...Gosh was under intense scrutiny by activists and Members of Congress as one of the key figures orchestrating the genocide in Darfur."
...
"How is it not a paradox for the State Department to describe the Sudanese Government as a 'strong partner in the War on Terror' while at the same time listing Sudan as a State Sponsor of Terror?" Senator Wyden said. [20] "We need to understand the basis for this description, especially since some are suggesting that Sudan's cooperation on counterterrorism is a good reason for the U.S. not to intervene to stop the genocide in Darfur."

4/30/08

BBC Reports that UN Peacekeepers Armed DR Congo Militias
article: http://www.impunitywatch.com/impunity_watch_africa/2008/04/bbc-reports-tha.html

"The wrongdoing reported by the BBC also includes peacekeepers trading arms for gold with the FNI militia and using a UN helicopter to engage in trading ammunition for ivory.

This story comes just three days after renewed fighting between government troops and rebel Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) forced the UN to halt the distribution of food to internally displaced persons.

Hundreds of people have fled the recent violence, and there is now an estimated 860,000 internally displaced persons near the border between Rwanda and Uganda in North Kivu.

Most of those arriving at locations for internally displaced persons are women and children. Some reported that their homes were destroyed."

4/28/08 Resolve Uganda Update

"There is still hope for the Juba peace process. That is the message we're hearing from northern Ugandan leaders, despite media cynicism and international doubts. As The Weekly Roundup shows, their efforts keep that hope alive, but is the LRA serious about peace?

The Good: As local leaders continue working to salvage the Final Peace Agreement, the U.S., Canada, EU and Japan issued statements urging Joseph Kony to sign and committing to help implement the agreement.

The Bad: Fresh allegations that the LRA have abducted over 350 people over the last three months are deeply alarming and suggest the rebels may be rebuilding their military capacity.

The Ugly: Nearly half of the 1.8 million people internally displaced by this conflict have returned home, but new reports show that conditions in some return sites have become worse than displacement camps, with a lack of access to clean water and sanitation, as well as police."

4/28/08

Article from TIME
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1735049,00.html

..." For many, the process has descended into farce. For those clinging on to the process, Kony's next chance to come out of the bush is on May 10, when Ugandan elders will return to Southern Sudan to supposedly discuss questions of justice. No one has any idea if he will turn up, and patience, too, is wearing thin, especially among those in the international community, which has paid over $10 million for the process. They complain that for some of the negotiators the process has become more about money and political positioning than resolving the problems of northern Uganda, long marginalized and battered by the war."...

Article from Wall Street Journal on Dream for Darfur & the Olympics
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinajournal/2008/04/24/pr-for-darfur/?mod=WSJBlog

"And the silver medal for mixing politics into this summer’s Olympics goes to Dream for Darfur, the Mia Farrow-led activist group that is pressuring China over its support of the government in Sudan that’s conducting genocide in Darfur."...

4/24/08 US special envoy to Sudan says he is disappointed with China

Another interesting article in Sudan Tribune: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article26872
"US special envoy to Sudan says he is disappointed with China"

"'Speaking from my responsibility I continue to be disappointed that China doesn’t have greater concern about the people suffering in Darfur and are not proactively helpful to us” the US special envoy to Sudan, Richard Williamson told the Senate foreign relations committee."
...
"The soft spoken envoy told the US senators that China continues to protect the Sudanese government from international pressure and slowing down UN efforts in Darfur as a veto wielding member."
...
Chinese weapons sale to Sudan
"Williamson acknowledged that China is one of the major weapon suppliers to the Sudanese government but said that technically this is not a violation of arms embargo in Darfur."
...
"He had told Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir that "we think the government of Sudan lies. There is going to be nothing taken on faith. Nothing on promises," Williamson said."
...
"'The deployment is dependent upon a government that is blocking movements, creating problems about access. The very facilitators of the genocide basically have a veto over the ability to move effectively with that. What kind of policy [US] is that?” (John) Kerry asked."

4/22/08

I encourage you to check out www.worldiswitness.org

USHMM Launches World is Witness in Google Earth
"The U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has launched World is Witness, a new initiative that opens a window into the lives of people affected by genocide and its long-term consequences."

We NEED to know their stories. We need to see their situation. We need to send their message. I urge everyone to send as many e-mails as possible to as many networks as you can, urging them to show more coverage on this situation. If people know what is happening, and if we show our leaders that this is a high priority to us, then they will have to give it more attention.
I just can't imagine being in their shoes - alone with young children who are constantly at risk for being kidnapped, killed and raped. No shelter, no food and no sign of help coming my way. What a total feeling of hopelessness.
I recall an event I went to on 12/02 (see update below) and the local refugee said, "When I was there, I didn’t see the government coming."
WE NEED TO CHANGE THAT!

4/21/08 **WOW!**

I've been reading articles from the Sudan Tribune lately, and I just have to share this one:
US special envoy to Sudan starts out his mission on the wrong foot
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article26822

(Keep in mind - There was a press release on April 18th that authorities in Sudan agreed to end censorship, following campaign by journalists)

This article really points out key problems with the U.S. attempt to aid Darfur and also explains in more depth the lack of cooperation from Sudan as well. Given the fact that the source is from Sudan has to be considered, but the journalist seems to be pretty angered with both sides regardless. 

..."the US administration moves on Sudan, including sanctions, appeared extremely cautious and unwilling to go far enough"...
"And even if Sudan was to implement all what the US asked for, what guarantees that Sudan will not place new obstacles to slow down progress of peace efforts in Darfur? This is Khartoum’s endless game. Sign an agreement then not honor it and attempt to renegotiate or nullify some parts of it. In the interim the Sudanese government enjoys conducting excessive exchanges of letters and envoys that lead to the same results; nothing except buying more time and playing on lack of international resolve."

4/21/08 Darfur Coalition Update

The Devil Came on Horseback
National Geographic Channel Debut!
The Devil Came on Horseback is a documentary about Darfur based former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle’s work as an unarmed military observer for the African Union.  See it this week on the National Geographic Channel!

Scheduled airings:
Friday, April 25 at 6 pm ET/PT

Tell the Administration to Enforce SADA
Help ensure that the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 brings real consequences for companies that help to fund genocide in Darfur.  Sign the petition and tell President Bush that we need strong enforcement of SADA provisions.

Darfur Appropriations: Ensure the U.S. Puts its Money Where its Mouth is.
The FY08 Supplemental Appropriations bill is expected to be considered by the House Appropriations Committee as early as next week.  This bill represents the best opportunity to provide needed funds for Darfur peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and other priories.  Click here for more details, and call (202) 224-3121 to tell your representative to support funding for Darfur.

Urge your Representative to Cosponsor H.Res. 1011
House Resolution 1011 is just a few co-sponsors away from being considered by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  The resolution calls on President Bush and the U.N. Security Council to implement sanctions against the Sudanese government for its actions in Darfur and its destabilizing effects in Chad, and continue U.S. humanitarian assistance to refugees and IDPs in Darfur, Chad, and the Central African Republic. Your efforts can help pass this resolution.  Click here for more information, and call (202) 224-3121 to ask your representative for their support.

Senate Resolution 470 Passed- Thank You!
Senate Resolution 470 calls for the development of a comprehensive regional strategy to resolve the conflict in Darfur, Chad, and the Central African Republic.  Thanks to the public support of Darfur activists, this bill passed the Senate unanimously. 

4/21/08 Report from my first BTM (BeTheirMessenger) event

My first event was successful. Even if I only educated a few more people. I was able to get some petition signatures and a few cards signed that I plan to send to women in the Congo through Women for Women International.
I plan on trying to see if there is an ability for a pen-pal program, or maybe one is already set up.  I think that would be really great to participate in.
The biggest thing I learned is that people do not know what is happening in Africa.
There is a total lack of attention and education on major situations that will be big news in the history books some day, but not until it's too late.  Kids will read about this later, much like the Holocaust, and be amazed that it happened  - That anyone allowed it to happen.

It saddens me that obviously these topics don't get enough attention for people to know they are happening, and at the same time makes me feel validated that we do indeed have a purpose and so much more light needs to be shed.

And thus my awareness campaign has hopefully made a few more aware - in a very simple, less complicated, easy way.

Just a reminder:
Uganda - The peace agreement has expired and the return to war could break out at any moment. Children are still soldiers (which the LRA still denies), and too many people are still stuck in IDP camps.  I anticipate more news on this topic by end of the week as the Ugandan government is meeting to discuss their next step.

Darfur -  Not nearly enough is being done.  We have 9,000 of the 26,000 UNAMID troops we are supposed to have, and none of the 24 helicopters (a few offered but nothing on paper that I know of). The Sudanese government is totally uncooperative and only admits to 9,000 of the 400,000++ deaths that have occurred since 2003.

Congo - Long story short... 45,000 people are still dying every month. This poor country has seen so many name changes, government changes, rebel leaders taking over command, and war after war, that I don't think they know any different.
    
Still.... Africans are very resilient and I think if they are given the chance,
their spirit will overcome. 
Like I always say, Not by my strength but by my spirit.
Wouldn't it be awesome for peace to happen in Africa during our generation? 
BeLIeVe!

4/18/08 Article on DRC
I thought this was a very interesting point.

..."perhaps as a cruel irony, influential nations in the world benefit from the vast resources coming from the DRC for which people are dying over."...
article: http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/Africa/DRC.asp

4/17/08 Uganda: Govt Prays for Peace But Prepares for War

"Not only has the cessation of hostilities agreement expired, there is virtually no one to negotiate an extension with at the moment"...

" With the Government of Uganda maintaining that the ceasefire agreement will not be renewed and hopes of a peaceful settlement of the 20-year rebellion fading, there is a possibility of guns blazing again."

***"The LRA's capacity to wage war is unknown at the moment, but it must be remembered that they still keep hundreds of abducted children in their ranks. The involvement of children makes full scale war against Kony an unwelcome prospect in the region"
article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200804170789.html?viewall=1

4/17/08 Update on Darfur

"The prospect of negotiating a political solution to the Darfur crisis has become ever more remote as both the Sudanese Government and rebels appear determined to pursue a military solution, according to a United Nations report released today."

article: http://allafrica.com/stories/200804161109.html

4/16/08 World Malaria Day is April 25. Malaria remains a leading cause of death among African children under 5.

http://www.worldvision.org/news.nsf/news/200804-world-malaria-day?Open&campaign=11461518&cmp=EMC-11461518&ppi=36631913&wvport=sp&wvsrc=enews

Run for Congo Women

• Hickory, NC — August 30, 2008
• Morrison, CO — September 13, 2008
• Portland, OR — September 14, 2008
• New York, NY — October 4, 2008
• Tempe/Phoenix, AZ — October 5, 2008
• Chicago, IL — October 11, 2008
• St. Louis, MO — October 18, 2008

http://www.runforcongowomen.org/

4/14/08 (Uganda) Joseph Kony of the LRA kills his deputy

The leader of the Lords Resistance Army, Joseph Kony has reportedly killed his deputy and eight other commanders during an internal revolt, a development likely to delay the peace negotiations further.

"Kony’s failure to show at Ri-Kwangba, on the South Sudan-DR Congo border, has heightened concern over the resumption of war. Hostilities had been ceased since August, 2006 under a “cessation of hostilities” agreement, which was to pave the way for peace talks. That agreement is due to expire this week."
See article:http://www.impunitywatch.com/impunity_watch_africa/2008/04/killing-of-lra.html

4/12/08 Benefit Concert

I went to a concert this weekend to benefit Congo, Darfur, Uganda and Burma.
I met a lot of great people trying to do whatever they could to make a difference.
They featured a lot of musicians working for the cause.
Thought I'd pass on some links:
 http://www.myspace.com/unitedonallfronts  
http://www.myspace.com/42eternal

4/9/08 Save Darfur Coalition Update

Today, as the Olympic torch passes through San Francisco for its only North American stop, join me in urging President Bush not to attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Tell President Bush to take a stand for human rights and skip the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

4/8/08 Stop Death Threats

I found a really interesting article about activists for the Congo being threatened.  Check it out here: Put a Stop to Death Threats Against Leading Activists in the Congo http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/defenders/hrd_drc/alert011205_misabiko.htm

4/7/08 Investors Against Genocide Update

We need your help to “get out the vote” for the upcoming April 16 and May 14 shareholder meetings. At the first vote ever on this unprecedented proposal, a surprising 28% and 27% of shareholders voted for genocide-free investing!  We need your help to increase those numbers in April and May

Vote: http://investorsagainstgenocide.googlepages.com/fidelityvotinghelp

04/06/08 Genocide Intervention Network

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide, a horrific event that claimed the lives of more than 800,000 people in just four months. Sadly, today we bring you new proof that genocide is not a problem of the past.
Compelling satellite images, obtained last month by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), evidence a renewed campaign of village bombings by the Sudanese government. The villages were attacked by the government just a few weeks ago, on February 8, using helicopters, MiG fighter jets and Antanov bomber planes, accompanied by uniformed Janjaweed.

The photo above shows the destruction of Abu Suruj, a once bustling village in West Darfur, now largely deserted. Note the small dark pixels around the market-like structures are people. Click here to view more images -- including those from Silea and Sirba -- two other villages in West Darfur that were also bombed and attacked by Janjaweed at the same time.

We failed to protect people in Rwanda 14 years ago. We don't have to make the same mistake now. You can make a difference for the people of Darfur, like the villagers of Abu Suruj, who have had their lives destroyed by the ongoing genocide. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today in memory of the victims of Rwanda.

3/18/08 GLOBAL DARFUR DAY IS COMING UP ON APRIL 13TH!!!

3/14/08 Team Darfur

Team Darfur is an international coalition of athletes committed to raising awareness about and bringing an end to the crisis in Darfur, Sudan.

A campaign leading up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, Team Darfur aims to educate the global public through the unique voice of elite athletes. Team Darfur brings together the world's Olympic and professional athletes to put international pressure not only on Sudan, but also on those countries that support the policy of inaction in the face of this dire humanitarian crisis.
http://teamdarfur.org/

3/12/08 International Rescue Committee Update:
Send a Personal Message to Women in the Congo

Throughout the recent war in the Congo, tens of thousands of women and girls have been raped, brutally assaulted and abducted into servitude. As a result, survivors of sexual violence in the Congo face many challenges in their lives. In addition to the debilitating health consequences, they live with the psychological aftermath and face extreme stigma and rejection from their family and communities.
You can make a difference by reaching out to women and girls in the Congo . Show your support today by sending a message of solidarity to survivors of sexual violence and the courageous community workers who serve them on a daily basis.

Will you stand with women in the Congo today?
http://ga3.org/campaign/survivors/iexb5634o7bdjt5m

2/26/08 Investors Against Genocide Update:

CHECK YOUR MUTUAL FUND PROXY MATERIALS - VOTE AGAINST GENOCIDE

If you are a mutual fund shareholder, you have a vote in the way your money is managed, just as you have a vote in the presidential election.  In the coming weeks and months, as part of this unprecedented campaign, hundreds of thousands of mutual fund shareholders will have the power to vote for genocide-free investing.

To see the latest list of mutual funds with votes pending on genocide-free investing, visit www.investorsagainstgenocide.org/shareholderhelp.

2/26/08 Genocide Intervention Network Update:

Thank you to all of you who have endorsed our new Executive Legacy campaign, calling on President Bush to make peace in Sudan a priority in his last year in office. Already, more than 1,000 activists from across the country have endorsed the campaign! 

This week, we shine the spotlight on the need for the President to support the United Nations/African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) . Recent violence in Darfur has endangered both Darfurians and the UNAMID peacekeepers. We must lobby the President to ensure that UNAMID is adequately supported.  

At the same time, we can act immediately to ensure that innocent Darfurians are protected from genocidal violence through GI-Net's unique on-the-ground Civilian Protection Program, the only program of its kind in Darfur. If you are interested in learning more about our program, please visit the Genocide Intervention Network.

2/23/08 Resolve Uganda Update

Today, the Ugandan government and LRA negotiators signed yet another landmark agreement, establishing a permanent ceasefire!

Since resuming last Monday, the peace talks have made rapid progress. Now that the ceasefire has been established, only one item remains to be discussed in the negotiations. We could see a final peace agreement between the warring parties as early as next week.

We can all celebrate this historic step toward ending this 22-year war. Our minds and spirits are with the people of northern Uganda, as we hope together that this may truly be the beginning of the end.

However, significant challenges do remain, and we can't get ahead of ourselves. There is no guarantee that rebel leader Joseph Kony will abide by the agreement and come out of the bush. Without Kony’s compliance, peace will remain a dream deferred for northern Ugandans.

Strong public pressure will also be needed to make sure the Government of Uganda lives up to its promises, and invests in the rehabilitation and development of war-affected areas.  Communities displaced by this war need water, schools, and jobs.

That means our task is clear. To encourage implementation of any agreement signed, the U.S. and international community need to commit political support and financial resources toward implementing a signed peace agreement, including assistance in the task of rebuilding areas devastated by the war. That's the message 1,000 of us are will take to Congress as part of the Lobby Days for Northern Uganda on Tuesday. Even if you won’t be with us, you can join our lobbying push by calling your Senators that day.

2/21/08 Resolve Uganda Update

Right now, the Ugandan Government and an LRA delegation are at the negotiating table, hammering out the final details of an agreement that would formally end their 22-year war. The successful completion of these historic negotiations are critical in moving from war to peace and might happen within the next month.

But this agreement is just the first step of the peace process.

Nearly half of all conflicts that reach this point devolve back into open warfare within five years of their declared "resolution." That's largely because, too often, a signed agreement is seen as the end, instead of the starting point for building a new, peaceful future.

That's where you come in. It is crucially important that our leaders commit to fully supporting any agreement that comes out of the Juba Peace Talks. In order for people to start returning home and life to start returning to normal, a settlement will have to be backed up with support and money. Next Tuesday, 1,000 people from across the U.S. will be coming to D.C. to directly lobby policymakers on this issue as part of the Lobby Days for Northern Uganda.

By taking one minute to back them up with a phone call, you can greatly increase the chance that our message is heard and our requests responded to.

2/13/08 Genocide Intervention Network Update:

Steven Spielberg Pulls Out of Beijing Olympics Because of Darfur
In a press release issued yesterday, Steven Spielberg formally ended his involvement as an artistic consultant for the 2008 Summer Olympics in China. He cited the ongoing genocide in Darfur and China's complicity as the reasons to forego this unique opportunity. Spielberg wrote: "I find that my conscience cannot allow me to continue with business as usual. At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur."

2/12/08 IT’S RED HAND DAY

http://www.redhandday.org/

2/4/08 Save Darfur Coalition Update:

What did Sudanese President Bashir do with a world-infamous war criminal? He gave him a promotion.
Bashir has appointed the militia leader who helped orchestrate genocide in Darfur as a senior adviser on ethnic affairs. This brash and consistent defiance of the U.N. won't stop - not as long as Bashir has China to protect him. We must tell China that enough is enough, and our representatives can help.

Leaders in Congress are gathering support for an official letter to President Hu of China letting him know that his indifference toward Darfur is unacceptable. Click here to urge your representative to sign on to this bipartisan letter and send a strong message to China.

2/1/08 – Invisible Children Update:

Our goal from the beginning has been to end the war in northern Uganda. Over the last few years we've seen Uganda transformed by the early signs of peace. But the fact of the matter is that the war isn't over.

Confidence in the peace talks has been deteriorating for the last few months. The Ugandan government's threat of military action against the LRA could undermine the potential success of Juba, while Kony’s recent actions have made northern Ugandans worried that it’ll all go back to square one. Thankfully, both parties have reconvened in Juba and extended the cessation of hostilities to February 28. But the peace process remains fragile and we need some action from you.
Click here to see the latest updates

1/29/08 Genocide Intervention Network Update:

The people of Darfur are depending on the United Nations/African Union Peacekeeping Force (UNAMID) for their protection. But UNAMID will not be successful without strong international support, and in particular, clear and consistent leadership from the United States.

1/27/08 Investors Against Genocide Update:

On January 22, the SEC ruled against Fidelity’s request to exclude our shareholder proposal on genocide-free investing from their proxy statements. This victory sets the stage for proxy votes at shareholder meetings for hundreds of mutual funds to become genocide-free.

For the first time, shareholders of many mutual funds will have a voice in whether their savings are invested in genocide. Timothy Smith, Senior Vice President of Boston-based Walden Asset Management called the campaign “unprecedented” adding that “never before has the mutual fund industry been challenged through shareholder resolutions to dozens of mutual fund companies.” Click here to read more details on the proposal and the SEC decision.

1/24/08 International Rescue Committee Update:

A major mortality study released Tuesday by the International Rescue Committee revealed shocking information about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Congo.

The study, which is being reported by major media outlets around the world, found that conflict and humanitarian crisis in Congo have claimed the lives of 5.4 million people since 1998 and continue to leave as many as 45,000 dead each month - making it the world's deadliest crisis since World War II.

1/17/08 Resolve Uganda Update:

In recent weeks, the peace talks have started to break down. Divisions within the rebel leadership and delays in the negotiations have undermined the momentum toward a peace deal. In response, the Government of Uganda, backed by the U.S. government, has threatened military action against the rebel group if progress is not made by January 31.

It's important that you know that, though the Ugandan government may not follow through on this threat, it still signals a further deterioration of confidence in the peace process and could spell an imminent return to active violence. Please check out this compelling video on the DRC conflict – Rape of a Nation http://mediastorm.org/0022.htm

1/14/08 Anderson Cooper reports on the Congo:

- In the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) more have died than in Iraq, Afganistan &
Darfur combined.
- It’s the deadliest conflict since WW2.
- More than 4 million people have died, and hundreds of thousands of women have been raped.

Report: http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/blog/2008/01/
andersons-view-war-against-women.html

1/10/08  SaveDarfur Update:

Right now, this peacekeeping mission does not have ANY of the 24 helicopters it needs to protect the people of Darfur.

1/06/08   Save Darfur Update:

FACING SUDAN is now available on dvd. The film, which won two best documentary awards in 2007, examines the situation in Sudan---both in Darfur and the South. However, what makes FACING
SUDAN different is that the story of Sudan is told through the eyes of ordinary individuals who have strived to make a difference in that war-torn country.
http://www.facingsudan.com/sudan.html

12/27/07 – Save Darfur Update:

This summer, the United Nations Security Council authorized a UN/AU hybrid peacekeeping force (UNAMID) to deploy to Darfur. The first soldiers in the 26,000 strong force will be deployed in January.

Thanks to international pressure surrounding the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China has begun to take a harder line with Sudan. China not only approved UNAMID, but has also sent its own envoy to Sudan to focus on ending the genocide. 

Here at home, Americans have refused to let genocide be committed on their dime. 22 states, 58 universities and 11 major U.S. cities have adopted Sudan divestment policies. Earlier this month, Congress unanimously passed federal divestment legislation (PDF) that will ensure American dollars are not funding the genocide.

12/13/07 SaveDarfur Update:

United States Senate unanimously passed the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act It was a tough fight and opposition to the bill was only overcome after thousands of Americans from all 50 states called and e-mailed their Senators.

http://darfurscores.org/files/SADA.pdf

ARE YOU INVESTED IN GENOCIDE?

“The Sudan Company Report is intended to serve as a listing of all companies that the Sudan Divestment Task Force (SDTF) feels warrant extra scrutiny by investors on account of their business operations in Sudan. While there are over 500 companies with connections to Sudan that SDTF has reviewed, only the small subset contained in the Sudan Company Report appear to warrant further investigation.”

Divest for Darfur is a national campaign to encourage investment firms, especially JP Morgan, Franklin Templeton, Fidelity Investments, Capital Group (American Funds), and Vanguard, to withdraw investments from companies that help fund genocide in Darfur.

http://www.savedarfur.org/page/content/index/

My notes From Lost Boys of Darfur 12/02/07

Notes from another local speaking event.  A refugee named Deng (I hope I spelled that right) told us about his escape from Darfur.  He now lives in Phoenix.  These are brief bullet points from what I considered to be key points that he made and also in response to questions from the audience.

1. This started as a muslim vs. Christian war, it was a religious war. 
   Then it also became an ethnic war. The Northern area kills Christians.
2. It’s about power.  The government is killing for power.  It’s religious an ethnic.
3. Arabs in Sudan have power, but Muslims in Darfur are persecuted.
4. Before the conflict life was so beautiful. 
5. When I was there, I didn’t see the government coming. I saw the church. 
   The church came to bring us here.
6. Today is the day we say ‘let’s look around and see what’s going on…
   Put a hand out and say we are one people. 
   These people are innocent.”

Deng also spoke about the fact that even local “law enforcement” cannot help because they are helpless against the number of rebels that attack.  People will run straight to a peacekeeper’s home and they will not let them in because they cannot help them.

My notes from Voices from Darfur – 9/25/07

When I heard the real-life stories from the lips of men that have actually been living in this war and watching the horrors strike their families, it was so very different than hearing about Darfur on the news.  Before listening to these men, Darfur was just an overwhelming problem we heard about every now and then.  One I didn’t fully grasp or understand, and one that felt too big to face.  These men accomplished 2 very important things for me that night; they made this war very simple, and they made the solution very simple as well. 

1. This war is not only a racial cleansing, it is a government killing its people,
   It’s Arab against African, it’s about getting land and oil.
2. The solution is peacekeepers. 

Call to Action: International Pressure

“The Darfur genocide has killed more than 400,000 civilians and displaced 2.5 million people from their homes. About the size of Texas, the Darfur region of Sudan is home to racially mixed Muslim tribes. In February 2003, frustrated by poverty and neglect, two Darfurian rebel groups launched an uprising against the Khartoum government. The government responded with a scorched-earth campaign, arming and bankrolling militias against the innocent civilians of Darfur. A small peacekeeping force run by the African Union is in place, but it is largely unsupported by the rest of the world. Civilian protection is desperately needed to stop the violence and end the genocide.” (http://www.genocideindarfur.net)

What these men are requesting: peace-keeping troops – “we will save their lives.”

“We are not asking for US troops to come over throw the government or attack the janjaweed, we’re asking them to come save lives.”

“We need the UN to save lives, get to peace, and then we can sit down later and find a political solution.”

“Africa union troops only mandate/monitor cease fire, NOT peace-keeping.”… 
They can do nothing.  They can’t even protect themselves.

“The difference in Rwanda was those were 2 tribes fighting each other.
In Darfur – it is our government killing their own people.”

Another insert from the hand-out said:
“…From the Holocaust to Rwanda,… those who stood by will be forever defined by what they failed to do...Following the genocide in Rwanda, senator Paul Simon said, “if every member of the House and Senate had received 100 letters from people back home saying we have to do something about Rwanda, then I think the response would have been different.”

HOME | UPDATES | WHY AFRICA | ABOUT UGANDA | ABOUT DARFUR
ABOUT CONGO | GET INVOLVED | CONTACT | MISSION
The launch of this site is dedicated to Ethan. BeLIeVe
© Be Their Messenger 2008