Not My Idea of Peace

The security situation in North Darfur is such that there are no international reporters roaming the region, letting the world know what they see. As a result, reports by Darfurian rebel groups that the government has resumed heavy bombing there can not yet be independently confirmed. These reports are, however, being picked up and reported widely by the international press, presumably on the basis that they have some legitimacy.

The African Union is apparently investigating the reported attacks. If only there were someone on the ground in Sudan who could protect Sudanese civilians from such attacks.

A bombing campaign on the heels of a highly-publicized peace agreement is not my idea of peace. Unfortunately, it isn't at all surprising. It is already common knowledge that government air support was an important component of the attacks that displaced over 1 million people in 2003 and 2004. President Bashir's penchant for ignoring agreements is also well-established.

The bombing reports, combined with others on increasing militia attacks on aid workers, suggest an overall worsening of the situation on the ground in Darfur. One key agency has announced that it is pulling back after two of its aid workers were raped by armed men in an area under government control. If they are raping the aid workers, what is happening to the women in unprotected camps for the displaced?

This turn for the worse demands intensified action by the international community, especially the United States. Special Envoy Andrew Natsios is willing to gently suggest that the violence in Darfur is stoking a conflict in neighboring Chad, but Sudan is not yet doing anything beyond listening.

Through it all, the beat goes on. Last night, over 500 people gathered for a candlelight vigil at a church in Rochester, N.Y., to demand an end to the genocide in Darfur. The vigil accompanies the opening of a photo exhibition on genocide at the George Eastman House, also in Rochester. If it can happen in Rochester, it can happen where you are, too. Join the Drumbeat for Darfur!