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By Stef FeKula
Darfur is a region in Western Sudan. The majority of the people who live in Darfur are black and Muslim. Darfur, roughly the size of France, is home to 8 million people and dozens of different ethnic groups. The differences between the ethnic groups are the root of the problem in this area. Beginning in 2003, the Sudanese government militia forces, called “Janjaweed,” have been in armed conflict with rebel groups. These forces have been trying to provide an “ethnic cleansing” by eliminating those who are of the same ethnic groups as the rebels. The forces and militia have pillaged and destroyed hundreds of villages and displaced millions of people.
Almost 2.2 million displaced people live in camps in Darfur, and more than 200,000 people have fled to neighboring Chad, where they live in refugee camps. Almost all of the people in Darfur are in need of some form of food assistance. This is where you can help. Thinking of the horrible situation that these people are in should drive you to donate and help as much as you can. Just a small portion of the food that you eat everyday could make a huge difference. These starving people would be grateful for the food that you throw away.
One of the biggest challenges is reaching the people. One in six relief vehicles were hijacked or ambushed by the Janjaweed. Between January and July 2007, 64 relief vehicles were hijacked, 132 staff members were temporarily abducted at gunpoint, and 35 relief vehicles were ambushed and looted. Despite all of this, the humanitarian groups are still trying to find ways to help these people.
Some groups have resorted to using aircraft transportation and other means. These people risk their lives every day in order to help those in need.
By donating a small amount, the transportation could become more advanced so that these people could be reached easier. In February 2007 the UN stated that some 900,000 people in Chad and Darfur were inaccessible. All of these people live in oppressed conditions without any help.
Almost all of the people who live in the refugee camps rely entirely on humanitarian aid. They can’t venture outside of their tents for fear of being attacked by the militias. Women are frequently raped and assaulted when they try to collect firewood outside the camps. No one dares to try to return home because of the presence of government armies. The shelter in these camps is not adequate and barely any food or provisions are given out. These people also have barely any clothing or belongings. By donating some of your old clothing, they could live a much more comfortable life.
Even though peace agreements have been signed, the situation has not changed. The Darfur Peace Agreement was signed in May 2006 in order to stop the killing of innocent people. The largest rebel group and the Sudanese government both agreed to put an end to the war, but this tranquility didn’t last. Soon the government was attacking more villages and taking more people hostage. Obviously, small compromises will not solve this problem, so the rest of the world needs to step in. Powerful countries, like the United States, should step up and help save the innocent people of Darfur from genocide.
Every day, 500 people are killed in Darfur. Each week that no one stands up for these citizens of Sudan, 3,500 people are killed. No matter what your religion, you should not stand by the side and allow the poor people of Darfur suffer. Something inside of you should make you want to stop this. No one who has decent moral values can know the hardships and sufferings of these people and not react. Small donations or volunteer work could help the citizens of Darfur an incredible amount. If everyone would work together, the people of Darfur could be free and justice would be served to those who are causing the problems.
Everyone should put aside their smaller problems and focus on the bettering of our world. Instead of being selfish and caring only about yourself, look at the people of Darfur who have to battle every day to stay alive. Give up a small part of your luxurious life to help those who barely survive. If you were in their situation, you would be begging for help. Any amount could help these people.