Resolution to Deploy UN Peacekeepers a Welcome Development

September 2, 2006

The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy wishes to express its great support for the resolution on Darfur adopted by the United Nations Security Council this past Thursday, August 31. In a historic move, the Security Council decided to finally deploy UN peacekeepers to Darfur and western Sudan in order to stop the ongoing genocide. The vote passed with the abstention of three members, Russia, Qatar, and China.

The people of Darfur celebrate the outstanding support they are receiving from the UN, the United States, and thousands of individuals and human rights organizations around the world that are dedicated to protecting potential victims of genocide.

Damanga recognizes and greatly appreciates the significant efforts of those within the Security Council who have taken the conflict in Darfur seriously. However, the resolution will be useless if it is not implemented immediately. Any further delay to the deployment of UN peacekeepers will result in more killing, starvation, and destruction of livelihoods in Darfur.

Damanga urges the US government to take the lead in this peacekeeping mission in Darfur. US support for the UN force is critical to overcoming resistance or obstacles from the fascist government of Omer Al-Bashir and his allies, the Arab Janjaweed militia.

Al-Bashir’s terrorist dictatorship continues to launch attacks against civilians throughout Darfur. Between August 28 and August 31 alone, dozens of innocent civilians were killed at Umsidir, Kulkul, Turra, Sayah, Alfashir City, and other northern villages. The government used aircraft to bomb the villagers, blocked those trying to flee the attacks, and arrested others. The rest were forced to return to their bombed villages to face the possible death on the hands of the Janjaweed and the Sudanese army.

In addition, Damanga has learned from its correspondents in the area that Arkui Minnawi, the rebel leader who signed the imperfect peace accord with the government this past May, has participated in such attacks. He and his rebel group joined government troops and the Janjaweed militia on all recent attacks launched against Darfurian villages.

Once again, Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy expresses its great concern over continuing violence against innocent civilians. Damanga urges quick action on the part of the UN to carry out its resolution and asks the US to take a lead role in the intervention to ensure its effectiveness.