Press Release

The Boston Globe’s editorial which your highly respected newspaper has republished is both flawed and one-sided (Once again, Sudan shows its scorn for the world – IHT 24 Jan. 08). Sudan has shown a great deal of flexibility in its efforts to bring about peace to Darfur. It has opened its doors to humanitarian relief and has on 23 Jan. 08 extended permission for NGO’s to continue activities for another year. According to a recent British parliamentary delegation report which quotes UN, sources 73% of Darfur is now accessible to aid groups. The crisis persists in certain pockets of chaos thanks to the destructive rebel groups who have refused to sign the Abuja Peace Agreement (brokered by African Union and the International Community in 06). They are the ones who show scorn for the world and resort to delaying tactics in order to prolong the conflict. The 06 peace deal has been criticised for not being inclusive. Efforts to revisit it should therefore take into account excluded groups like civil society and Darfuri Arabs. Musa Hilal and other tribal leaders from all ethnic groups have a role to play. Accusations and counter accusations abound. ‘Trial by editorials’ is not the proper approach. It should be remembered that the same government which has appointed Sheikh Hilal as an advisor at the ministry of  Federal Affairs, has without reservations, negotiated with rebel leaders who have boasted openly of murdering hundreds of policemen, soldiers and civilians. Sudan is cooperating with the African Union – UN forces in order to bring peace to Darfur. The force has no magic wand, and should pave the way for a comprehensive political settlement through negotiations in good faith. Demonising Sudan is not a helpful approach. It encourages the warlords and bandits in the region.

 

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