Darfuri Conflict: Race war or Tribal conflict?
Yahsmin BoBo
Ummah Newsletter / Africa Correspondent
03.2006
The Sudan, an African country troubled with ethnic divergence, stands accused of warring with its Christian South and more recently, the Western region whose population is predominantly Muslim. The media has illustrated a dreadful picture of the “Arab” government in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, aggressively pursuing conflict with their African countrymen by financing a militia known as the Janjaweed. We’ve been led to believe that this alleged genocide is motivated by race rather than tribalism and resource scarcity, in an already economically challenged society.
Africa, as a continent, is home to many developing countries.
Their pre-existing problems are only compounded when forced to deal with internal
strife, be it religious, political or social. Unfortunately, Sudan tops this
list of such problematic regions and many are fearfully speculating that the
current situation resembles that of Rwanda in the mid-nineties. And perhaps
more unfortunate for the Ummah, it is a crisis that has largely gone overlooked.
Scores of Human Rights groups have sought peaceful
intervention, cautiously maneuvering around these delicate matters. Neighboring
countries have taken in flocks of Darfuri refugees.
While there is much finger-pointing taking place, politicians and diplomats worldwide are neglecting pertinent facts: Darfur harbors natural resources many could benefit from. The first among these is oil, a commodity with which many wars are aggravated by. Secondly, there are farmlands and fresh Nile water resources. And last of all, it is rumored that Darfur possesses gold. These things are enough to spin Sudan’s economy into another realm of financial possibilities. Perhaps this is what motivates factionalized Sudanese groups to favor lawlessness and bloodshed over diplomacy and reconciliation. After all, someone will see fit to monopolize resources and control the wealth.
The bigger picture we must force ourselves to evaluate isn’t the politics of this country in complete and utter disarray; it is the humanitarian crisis that will haunt us eternally if we remain in a state of inaction and indecision. Darfuri people deserve our favor and our generosity. We may not be able to physically assist their dismal circumstances, but we can certainly donate and educate. It is very easy to theorize about how things ought to be in the Sudan, but it is even easier to simply give and give unconditionally.
Islamic Relief
https://www.irw.org/
Islamic Relief Worldwide
http://www.islamic-relief.com/submenu/Appeal/sudan.htm
Islamic Human Rights Coalition
http://www.ihrc.org/