In significant news this week, the largest rebel faction in Darfur has signed a peace agreement with the government of Sudan. This could lead to substantial progress in the overall security situation in Darfur. Two other rebel groups are holding out for further concessions.
However, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. In order to ensure that a peace deal translates into real peace for the people of Darfur, the world must act now [1] to support the AU mission in the short term, organize a UN transition force to ensure effective peacekeeping, and continue to pressure the government of Sudan to stand by the promises made in the peace talks.
The Situation on the Ground
Further evidence of Janjaweed raids in Chad [2] was revealed this week. Louise Arbour, the UN high commissioner for human rights, stated that violence against women in Darfur is worsening [3]. This is confirmed [4] by numerous humanitarian aid agencies.
Aid agencies working in Darfur are facing major shortages [5] of funds. Jan Egland, the UN humanitarian chief, visited Darfur in an attempt to investigate [6] the security situation and raise funds for aid in Darfur. This visit came in the wake of the UN's decision to cut aid [7] to Darfur in half.
The Government of Sudan
An ongoing AU investigation into the recent uprising in Chad has revealed that the government of Sudan recruited [8] rebels to fight against Chad's government.
The Peace Process
A week ago, rebel groups chose not to sign the draft [9] of a peace deal offered by the AU mediators. This move pushed the ongoing peace talks past the original April 30 deadline, but eventually allowed for concessions convincing the largest rebel group to sign on [10].
US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick joined Canadian [11] and British [12] officials in Darfur this week as they struggled to negotiate [13] a final peace deal. Rebels continued to push for their essential demands, which include "a post of Sudanese vice-president, a new regional government, greater representation in both national and local institutions, and individual compensation for victims of war." The government of Sudan conceded [14] to faster disarmament of the Janjaweed, including rebels in security forces and allowing UN peacekeepers [15] in Darfur.
After two extensions of the deadline this week, largest rebel group, a faction of the SLA, accepted [16] the peace deal. The JEM and a rival faction of the SLA are still holding out for further concessions from the government of Sudan.
The Genocide Intervention Network commended the United States [17] for their role in brokering the agreement — though some observers have noted that "seemingly contradictory stances from the United States on Sudan" may ultimately lead to an incomplete peace [18].
Even with the agreement in place, Zoellick declared that Darfur was far from safe [19]. Jan Egeland noted the continuing obstruction from the government of Sudan, and argued that the AU peacekeepers must be immediately strengthened [20] by other forces. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan declared bluntly that the African Union peacekeepers "can't do the job [21]."
"They've made a difference in some areas where they are effective, but we need to strengthen them; we need to give them logistical support; we need to give them financial support to continue the operation, until such time that we are able to transition to a U.N. force, and that does take a while," Annan said.
In the final analysis, the genocide in Darfur will likely continue [22] without a strong commitment to protection of civilians by the international community. While human security around refugee camps is now possible, refugees themselves are still waiting for the world to take substantive action [23].
International Action
The US Senate passed an amendment that provides $60 million [24] for UN peacekeeping. The money will be essential to the UN's ability to plan and implement an UN force in Darfur.
US Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice called on Russia, China and the AU to do more [25] to end the violence in Darfur. Retired general and Canadian Senator Roméo Dallaire said Canada needs to step up [26] on Darfur, while a spokesperson for the Muslim Canadian Congress called on more Muslims to become active [27].
The government of Australia discussed the possibility of sending forces [28] into Darfur.
International Activism
Rallies across the United States and Canada [29] continued this week. Tens of thousands of people came to Washington, DC, last Sunday for the Save Darfur Rally to Stop Genocide [30].
Representatives from the Save Darfur Coalition met with President Bush [31] last Friday to discuss the current situation in Darfur.
The medical drama ER aired [32] a show focused on the situation in Darfur.
Special Reports Summary
The UN High Commissioner of Refugees issued a new map of possible return routes [33] in Darfur.
Professor Eric Reeves published a statement detailing the current data on mortality rates [34] in Darfur. He notes that the death toll now "significantly exceeds 450,000."