Genocide Monitor: Oct. 21, 2009

  • DARFUR: Fighting resumes in the Jebel Marra region and the conflict in Darfur draws renewed attention from President Obama as the United States releases its new Sudan policy.
  • EASTERN BURMA: The U.S. releases its new Burma policy as tensions rise between Burma and China over the August fighting in northern Shan state.
  • AFGHANISTAN: Another suicide bombing rocks Kabul as the UN declared that September the second deadliest month for civilians in Afghanistan.
  • SOMALIA: While Al-Shabaab and Hisbul-Islam fight over control of the southern city of Kismayo, the numbers of Somali displaced continue to rise.

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Spotlighted Conflict:

Situation on the Ground

Attacks between the Sudanese government and armed opposition groups have resumed in Darfur's Jebel Marra region. The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) accused the Sudanese government of killing 28 civilians near the North Darfur town of Meilit.1 The attacks were reportedly carried out by troops, some using helicopters and Antonov bombers, and by government-supported militia.

Recently published World Food Programme (WFP) Food Security Monitoring Reports indicate that food security in North and South Darfur increased since May, but the summer months also saw a decrease in food security in West Darfur. To read the full reports, visit the WFP website here.

Darfur Draws Presidential Attention

President Obama delivered his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly in which he addressed the issues in Sudan, stating:

"We will pursue a lasting peace in Sudan through support for the people of Darfur and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, so that we secure the peace that the Sudanese people deserve."2

The White House also responded to comments made by U.S. Special Envoy Gration suggesting the possibility of the normalization of relations with Sudan, stating that normalization is off the table until significant changes are made in Sudan.  

It was reported that in an attempt to improve bilateral relations with the United States, Sudan hired former U.S. National Security Advisor Bud McFarlane.3 McFarlane reportedly met recently with current National Security Advisor Jones and Special Envoy Gration to discuss this topic.

For more information on Gration's comments and GI-NET's response, please click here.

New Sudan Strategy

The Obama Administration released its Sudan policy on October 19. The new policy focuses on ending the conflict and genocide in Darfur, implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South Sudan and ensuring that Sudan does not become a safe haven for terrorists.4

To read more reaction to the administration's new Sudan policy, visit our press room or our blog.

Area of Concern: Burma

Update from Kokang

The Burmese regime ordered 10,000 Chinese nationals out of the Kokang region of Shan State.5  Chinese authorities also demanded $41 million in compensation from the Burmese regime for damages during August's conflict in the region.6

New Burmese Policy Released

The Obama Administration released its new Burma policy,7 which lays out a strategy of using diplomatic engagement and economic sanctions to pressure the Burmese regime while focusing on human rights, national reconciliation, and democracy in Burma.8