This Sunday, January 9, 2011, southern Sudan will vote on a referendum for its independence from northern Sudan.This is a historic moment but there are fears that the vote to divide (partition)Sudan could lead to violence, and the danger to civilians will be high following the referendum.
The photo by Cedric Gerbehaye from Time magazine shows a young Dinka boy stands in a camp in Southern Sudan.
The determination to do more than be a bystander to warfare and genocide underlies George Clooney's concern over issues in Sudan. Think about how he uses his fame to speak out and take action. George Clooney is working with UN and Harvard university to prevent genocide in Sudan. Read the Guardian article about this initiative here.
Think about the difference between a celebrity and a hero. What is heroic action?
Background:
Sudan has endured many years of conflict and suffering. Dafur gained independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. However, the people of Sudan have suffered years of civil war and conflict. These conflicts are to do with unequal distribution of power and wealth amongst the Sudanese population.
The first civil war in Sudan between the government and southern insurgents (rebels) occurred in 1955 and lasted until 1972. The insurgents wanted greater independence from the North.
In 1983 a second North-South civil war occurred over long held grievances and President Jaafa Nimeiri's decision to bring in Sharia law. Nimeiri lost the presidency in 1989 when General Omar al-Bashir led a military coup (seizure of power). Fighting continued for two decades over resources, southern self determination and the role of religion in the state between the SPLMA (Sudanese People's Liberation Movement). This war led to two and half million deaths and four million people displaced. International mediators helped to achieve peace in 2005. However, in 2003 more conflict in the western area of Darfur occured.
Two rebel groups, the SLA (Sudanese Liberation Movement) and the Justice and Equality Movement began a rebellion against the Sudanese government over insecurity and being economic unequal.
The government responded by getting help from the nomadic tribes from Darfur to stop the rebellion. The government promised these tribes land for their co-operation. With support from the government (National Congress Party) these groups formed militias known as the Janjaweed
which wreaked havoc throughout Dafur causing the deaths of 300,000 and the displacement of 4 million.
The situation in Dafur is complex- rebel groups have splintered and divided which means a variety of needs and a complicated road to peace. Only one group (SLA MM) signed the Darfur Peace Agreement. Many rebel groups are not involved in the peace process which again make this situation so difficult.
Right now many people who had fled the south to Khartoum have returned to the south to vote. They fear for their safety if they remain in other areas. The satellite surveillance seems to be a way of making sure the world is watching this area so that any attempts to intimidate or harm people will not be hidden and covered up. The hope is that the satellite can perhaps prevent genocide and war.
How does this event and ideas in this article connect to issues we are examining in class about tolerance, heroic behaviour, choices, and genocide? Make links to other entries and the books we are reading.
For further information go to:
1. the BBC Sudan Country Profile
2. Holocaust Museum: Preventing Genocide:Sudan
3. BBC News: Southern Sudan Votes on Independence
Reference:
Cedric Gerbehaye / Magnum Foundation Emergency Fund / Agence VU
