Contact:
Allyn Brooks-LaSure (Save Darfur), 202-478-6174
Sam Bell (GI-NET), 202-481-8130
Eileen White Read (Enough Project, Center for American Progress), 202-741-6376
Darfur Groups Urge President-Elect Obama To Begin ‘Peace Surge’ In Sudan
WASHINGTON – Leading Darfur advocacy organizations today called on President-elect Obama to lead an international effort to secure a peace agreement to end the Darfur crisis. In a joint letter, the Save Darfur Coalition, ENOUGH Project, and Genocide Intervention Network outline actions the new president must take, including reinforcing the UNAMID civilian protection force, supporting the ICC investigations, developing an international coalition to lead negotiations and appointing a senior official to “own” the issue.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
The groups urged President-elect Obama to reject the false choice between full-scale military intervention and limited humanitarian efforts. The letter to the new administration instead argues that a significant and expedited investment in peacemaking will prove cost-effective and is the best hope of ending Sudan’s suffering.
John Prendergast, ENOUGH co-chair, said, “The election of President Obama is an opportunity for a fundamental change in the world’s approach to Sudan. The time is ripe to work with our international partners, including China and the European Union, to stop simply managing the symptoms of Darfur and actually end the conflict.”
During the campaign, then-Senator Obama pledged “unstinting resolve” to end the crisis if he were elected.
“Americans expect nothing less than an administration that takes strong action and maintains consistent focus to secure sustainable peace in Sudan,” said Save Darfur Coalition president Jerry Fowler. “For five years, the Sudanese government has taken advantage of on-again, off-again international engagement. President-elect Obama must take the necessary steps to secure credible protection for Darfuris and meaningful accountability for perpetrators.”
The letter outlines the necessary components for effective diplomacy, including immediate engagement with the UK, France, China and African nations to develop a joint framework for a resolution to the crisis and an escalating menu of penalties to confront potential obstruction. The letter also calls on President Obama to prevent the derailment of the ICC’s ongoing work and recruit a capable lead nation to improve UNAMID – creating an environment amenable for a robust peace process.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
About the Save Darfur Coalition – The Save Darfur Coalition – an alliance of 180 faith-based, advocacy and human rights organizations – raises public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur and mobilizes a unified response to the atrocities that threaten the lives of people throughout the Darfur region. The coalition’s member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Darfur. For more information on the coalition, please visit www.SaveDarfur.org. To obtain footage from the Darfur border region, coalition events, various interviews, and more, please visit the Save Darfur Coalition media gallery at http://media.savedarfur.org. All footage may be previewed in non-broadcast quality and may be purchased in broadcast quality by filling out the purchase request form provided on the site.
About the Genocide Intervention Network – The Genocide Intervention Network is working to build the first permanent anti-genocide constituency in the United States, mobilizing the political will to stop genocide when it occurs. Accessible online at www.GenocideIntervention.net, GI-Net empowers individuals with tools to stop genocide through education, fundraising for civilian protection and advocacy efforts.
Enough is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Founded in 2007, Enough focuses on the crises in Sudan, Chad, eastern Congo, northern Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Enough’s strategy papers and briefings provide sharp field analysis and targeted policy recommendations based on a “3P” crisis response strategy: promoting durable peace, providing civilian protection, and punishing perpetrators of atrocities. ENOUGH works with concerned citizens, advocates, and policy makers to prevent, mitigate, and resolve these crises. To learn more about ENOUGH and what you can do to help, go to www.enoughproject.org.