Similar to our blog last week, on the conflicts in Rwanda and the tragedies of genocide there, we are asked to explore and summarize the war in Darfur. This topic, in contrast to the previous one, I actually have some general knowledge of. This knowledge stems from adds I've seen on television and online about donating time and money to stop the genocide raging there. So, at the very least, I have a drop of knowledge upon approaching this ocean of information.This conflict, The Darfur Conflict, began in February of 2003 in Darfur, Sudan. The Sudan Liberation Army bitterrly accused the government of favoring Arabs over Africans, and took up arms to battle.Ultimately, the conflict was broken into two sides, two seperate entites seeking victory. One comprised mainly of the Sudanese Government and the Janjaweed, recruits from nomadic tribes, whilst another contained members of the rebel Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement.
The in fog and confusion, blood and terror of this conflict, the Sudanese Goverment has gone so far as to tamper with vital evidence, in some instances desperately covering up the horrible mass graves that can be found throughout the region. This, however, is not the extent of what they have and will done. To lessen to media coverage of the bloodshed, they have been charged and found to be capturing and harassing any journalists within the area.Mass deaths by a single force, wiping out the lives of thousands, would qualify to almost anyone as genocide. However, not everyone sees it in this light. The United States has declared it as such, but the UN, however, has not. They stated, in a 176-page report, that genocidal intent appeared to be lacking. Activist groups, however, are outraged by this statement, in disbelief that the mass killings and rapes could be ignored.
The Sudanese Government claims the deaths of 19,500 civilians. However, non-governmental associations claim that in actuality over 400,000 civilians were killed.These deaths, so senseless and cruel perplex me. How people can take the lives of others, even in war-times, is beyond my imagination. It seems that there is no end in sight.
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