Tuesday, October 18, 2005

I've been accused of blogging too much about the problems of Darfur and the mistakes that people are making - and not offering any bright solutions myself.

While it's a sad fact that there simply ARE lots of problems and very few successful solutions in Darfur, I am taking this criticism on board - and here is my solution for the day:

Send us those Canadian armoured personnel carriers.

There are currently 105 armoured personnel carriers stuck in a warehouse in Senegal - waiting to be transported to Darfur so that the African Union soldiers can use them in their patrols. Unfortunately, the Sudanese government - which has very little concern about the safety of people in Darfur - is refusing to let the shipment come into the country unless it gets a certain degree of control over their use. After much negotiation, it seems that 35 have now been granted permission to come here.

While I have not seen these big new trucks arrive here yet (or know much about the negotiations and lobbying that are taking place behind the scenes about this), I do know what sort of impression a fully-equipped military can have on the perceptions of people on the ground.

Over the past few months, I have repeatedly heard Darfurians - be they IDPs, SLA commanders or government officials - snicker at African Union cars or helicopters that have run out of fuel and make throwaway comments about the soldier's ability to fight back when threatened.

Especially in the volatile areas affected by recent clashes, every kid in town knows that the armed groups that the AU are trying to deter quite simply outnumber and outgun the peacekeepers - and I can't say it's making anyone feel particularly safe.

Equally, I have seen the impact that a few new trucks and guns, or a newly deployed group of enthusiastic and professional African Union soldiers can have in a previously unpatrolled area - women feel more protected, thugs become more wary of showing their faces and the townspeople nod their heads approvingly. "Now they have real power, now they look professional. Maybe now they can protect us," a sheik recently told me after the AU deployed a full battalion of troops to his town, which had previously seen little more than a few sorry-looking tents and a dozen glum, confused men.

The African Union troops in Darfur have struggled to have an impact - some argue that they have failed miserably in their mission to protect civilians (though others, of course, would argue that this was not their role in the first place and they are only there to monitor and report breaches of ceasefire...but more about that another day).

Personally, I believe there's still a lot of hope for the African Union Mission in Sudan, and they have done more good than many people will give them credit for. But in those instances where they have failed to do their job or acted incompetently, much of the blame deserves to be spread to those who have refused to equip and prepare them properly for their mission (AMIS is still suffering from a funding shortfall of more than $150 million - a fact some international donors continue to blissfully ignore), and those who try to undermine them in other ways (like the GoS refusal to let them have their equipment).

The Canadians have been kind enough to provide the troops with some important gear at this crucial moment - and if the international community could now push just a little bit more to make sure these trucks actually arrive in the place where they're meant to have an impact, that - for me - would be a small solution in today's minefield of problems.

Tags: , , , ,

33 Comments:

At , Blogger Micah Brown said...

I totally understand. I was a relief worker in South Sudan during that crisis in 1999 and 2000. Please keep posting the details of your experience.

If nothing else, it is a good out let for you, maybe it will help you handle the day-to-day challenges.

The Roads in Africa

 
At , Blogger sleepless in sudan said...

Hi there - thanks for this response, it's an important point and one that I readily admit a military man/woman would know more about than an opinionated aid worker (though I will repeat that I have heard from plenty of people here, including AMIS/CFC staff that they are very keen on the APCs).

What I find more interesting about your response though is the mandate issue. Are you saying that people within AMIS are pushing for a stronger mandate, and do you feel there is widespread agreement on this, at least within your area of operations?

And why do you not feel that you can push your current mandate, particularly the part about contributing to a secure environment (including "protecting civilians whom it encounters under imminent threat and in the immediate vicinity, within resources and capability")? In meetings with NGOs, the AMIS staff have sometimes blamed the "resources" part and told NGOs that they would push the mandate further if only they had the necessary equipment. Would you agree with that statement?

 
At , Blogger rebhayim said...

Dear Sleepless,
I'm working with my congregation in Newton MA on a Stop the Genocide in Darfur campaign. I have been reading all sorts of articles, particularly Nick Kristof's stuff in the nytimes and Samantha Power's stuff, as well as working with the American Jewish World Service to gain an idea as to where money can be sent/things done on the ground here in the US. Any thoughts on what you want us to do on this end of the world? Do you need stuff that we could send you? If you want to email me some thoughts privately, I'd be very happy to help. therebbe@gmail.com

 
At , Blogger John1975 said...

WOW!

I've read your entire blog and I've bot to admit I salute you!

I can understand your frustration, for my time spent in Bosnia furstrated me to no ends at times.

To be honest with you I've never understood the UN and it's "PeaceKeeping" missions. I personally believe you can't keep the peice in countries like Darfur without force.

A lesson I learned years ago; "These rebels only respond to and respect one thing - Brute fucking force!"

I honestly wish I was a peacekeeper in Darfur to be honest.

Although, that being said, I'd proabably wouldn't last too long. I have a tendency to take too many risks and break the "rules" when children are involved. I would proabably be kicked out of the country.

Be careful! If you need a good, secure email address for secure communication try; www.hushmail.com

It's free! I used it in Bosnia with no problems.

Of course make sure the "second-party" has a "hushmail" account as well. If you have an "IT" friend you might want to discuss it with him.

To be honest with you I wish I could do something to help the civilians in that area. If there is anyway I can help let me know!

Oh, and don't read too much into this but; I'm one lonely "MFR" also!

God's speed!

JOHN

 
At , Blogger sleepless in sudan said...

Dear Keith,

Nicholas Kristof from the New York Times has already posted a very good reply to questions like this on his own blog, so I won't attempt to create a list of my own (which would undoubtedly be more biased towards certain NGOs). Visit http://forums.nytimes.com/top/opinion/readersopinions/forums/editorialsoped/kristofresponds/index.html?offset=815&fid=.f3beae7/815.

There are a lot of fantastic aid agencies in Darfur (Kristof mentions several already), and also some ideas for how to become politically active on Darfur.

Hope this helps,
S

 
At , Blogger TMBeef said...

Actually what was happened there was a conflics of ethics among people they call Sudanese. I feel so sad because they are not living harmoniusly and peacefully in their own country.

Life goes on.

 
At , Blogger David said...

very nice blog

thanks for all aticle !

 
At , Blogger MrRed2020 said...

The new documentary Darfur Now is now playing, and will expand to additional select cities this Friday, November 16th!
It’s a story of hope in the midst of one of humanity’s darkest hours – a call to action for people everywhere to end the catastrophe unfolding in Darfur, Sudan. In this documentary, the struggles and achievements of six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the world bring to light the tragedy in Sudan and show how the actions of one person can make a difference to millions. For more info, visit: http://myspace.com/darfurnow

 
At , Blogger Unknown said...

Employers in Darfur struggling a lot to maintain their work. The rich people not thinking about how Darfur behaves for the workers. There are some students always choosing the custom dissertation writing service for all their academic works. They are not ready to try with their paper works.

 
At , Blogger James Jones said...

What is a humanitarian?
Sustainable

 
At , Blogger dhoni said...

I incredibly like your blog. I to an awesome degree welcome the expansive quality substance you are appearing here on no end.If you want any content writing help you can visit website content writing services india... Thank you...

 
At , Blogger window film dealers said...

its amazingly informational site.This is an edifying site by which I have that information which I greatly predicted that would get. Reflective window Films . Thank you

 
At , Blogger online flower delivery dubai said...

Fantastic blog. It looks absolutely proficient.This is incredibly eminent article for me.
pleasant post .. appreciative to you for sharing ... online flower delivery dubai . Thank You...

 
At , Blogger my essay papers said...

I regard all that you have melded the degree that anyone is concerned base.Admiring the time and exertion you put into your blog and disengaged data you offer.Thanks. If you need any writing help you can contact my essay papers . Thank you...

 
At , Blogger ACT prep said...

I really glad to discover your article and I have felling astonishing after inspected this post since it giving inconceivable data. Much appreciation to you for sharing this article.
private tutoring center for physics . Thank You...

 
At , Blogger interior fit out company dubai said...

Hi everyone...I should need to thank you for the endeavors you have made in making this article... interior design firm in dubai . Thank you.Have a nice day

 
At , Blogger IT COMPANY IN OMAN said...

An awesome blog dependably considers new and animating data and recalling that understanding I have feel that this blog is truly have each and every one of those quality that qualify a blog to be an one. hrms software oman.... Thank You...Have a good day...

 
At , Blogger jeo john said...

Great.This shows the humanity still exists.Lubricant in Dubai very much inspired from this.Thank you

 
At , Blogger mermaid said...

Striking work! Each and every one of you finishes a stunning web journal, and have some phenomenal substance. Continue doing shocking. short term course list in india . Thank You

 
At , Blogger Unknown said...

Why Sri Yantra is one of the best Yantra for Money? Follow this link https://thebhakti.com/shri-yantra/ to know the Benefits of Shree Yantra, Shree Yantra Properties and learn more about Shree yantra ...

it's Sri yantra
it's Sri yantra mantra
it's Shree yantra online
it's Shree yantra mantra in hindi
it's What is the Sri Yantra?
it's What is the meaning of a Yantra?

 
At , Blogger Mohit said...

Choose the top content writing company in India
etrending/
webgross/

 
At , Blogger Graphhene Foundation said...

Graphhene foundation working for the unprivileged children since the starting our major focus is to provide the basic necessities to each and every child of India we are working hard for it.
Visit Our Website To Donate and Help The children for there welfare:- Graphhene Foundation

 
At , Blogger zara8359 said...

get best office shifting services in dubai at very affordable cost, our team of skilled team of technicians are very capable of shifting your household goods from place to another place. Office renovation dubai

 
At , Blogger zara8359 said...

thank you for sharing this wonderful information with us, to know more about our services contact us today. TV Repair

 
At , Blogger zara8359 said...

get best LG ac repair in dubai at reasonable cost by professional company of dubai. our skilled team of personnel are very experienced in their repairing work.

 
At , Blogger zara8359 said...

get best Private Yacht Charter Dubai services at very affordable cost, so what are you waiting for? contact us for more details.

 
At , Blogger Baat Nalanda Ki said...

Get the List of Top South Indian Actors From our blog, that we have mentioned the best South Indian Actors that are best in acting, drama, dance, as well as action.

 
At , Blogger Amaan said...

Eagle Technician service is a well-known company for providing the best School painting Services Dubai. We finish the project at the promised time. We charge a minimum but offer the greatest services.

 
At , Blogger gyanhindi01 said...

Get printer printer repair bur dubai at lowest cost so what are you waiting for? Contact us today and avail our service. You can also call us on our number.

 
At , Blogger John_content Writer said...

Very Informative information and check the best Content writing services Delhi and keep share more interesting blogs

 
At , Blogger zara8359 said...

if yo are looking for visa services in dubai then you are at the right place contact us to know more about our services. apply dubai tourist visa

 
At , Blogger Amaan said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

 
At , Blogger Amaan said...

If you are looking for the best Business cards printing Dubai, then make sure to contact Al Waqas Printing press immediately. We are a prominent company all over Dubai.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home