TJP

A Call for Cease Fire by Sudanese President
By Aurora Ellis

October 18, 2007

Omar al-Bashir, the President of Sudan, met with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome on the 14^th to discuss peace negotiations for Darfur. The leader of Sudan expressed that a cease fire will begin during the peace talks scheduled to take place in Libya next month.

The peace talks, supported by the United Nations (U.N.) and the African Union, are set for Oct. 27 in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. The conference marks a renewed attempt by U.N. General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon to settle disputes which have caused the death and torture of over 400,000 citizens of Darfur.

The Vatican news, announced that the president and the pope engaged in a 25 minute discussion in Rome. Afterwards, al-Bashir stated to the press that a cease fire will contribute to a “positive climate” for the peace talks in Tripoli.

Yet peace agreements have been broken before, and the Sudanese government has been accused of financially supporting and arming the Janjaweed militiamen, who are responsible for the rape, massacre, and forced displacement of many Darfurians.

Leaders of two prominent rebel groups, the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement, have already refused. Abdel Wahid el-Nur, leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement, reasoned there should be a cease fire and African Union peacekeeping force implemented before a peace talk. “"We are not going to Libya to negotiate unless we can guarantee the security of our people. This is a failing process and the SLM is not a movement that fails," he reported to BBC News.

Many see the peace talks as possibly successful if everyone is included. Those following the progression of the genocide in Darfur say that the only way progress can be made is if all groups involved, including rebel forces, the Sudanese government and outside peacekeeping organizations, actively participate.

“It is a positive step in the right direction,” said Allyn Brooks-LaSure, spokesperson for Save Darfur, an advocacy and humanitarian organization, “Peace has to begin with all parties sitting down and discussing their issues.”

Msia Clark, an African Studies visiting assistant professor, reiterates Brooks-LaSure’s sentiments. “I believe it can’t hurt as long as everyone participates, if all groups are present and everyone’s issues addressed it has potential.”

While some carry high hopes for these proposed peace talks, others express a lack of faith in al-Bashir’s announcement and the proposed peace talks. “U.N. has been talking for how long now?,” said Marcus Dunick, a junior biology and psychology double major. “U.N. always talks, but that doesn’t mean they will do anything.”

The United Nation’s ability to implement change is questioned, as some don’t see the organization’s plans as progressive for the Darfurian people. In 2006 the United Nations Security Council passed a peace resolution intended on controlling violence in the region with a 17,300 peacekeeping force. However, the plan was discontinued due to opposition from the Sudanese government and no support from China, Russia or Qatar. Many fear that Tripoli peace talks could end with the same failure as the 2006 resolution.

Brooks-LaSure encourages Howard students to be active. “Howard University has been a leader among HBCUs (with activism),” he said. He also suggests that students raise awareness. “The more people know the more they will want to help,” he said.

The conflict in Darfur has been taking place for over four years and is labeled by many as “ethnic cleansing” and“ genocide”, including the U.S. Department of State. During this time over 400,000 people were killed, and millions more displaced. U.N. estimates conclude that 2.2 million people have been affected by this violent war.