January 8, 2010
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Dark Clouds Hover Over Sudan CPA Anniversary
Movement Leaders Respond After Secretary Clinton and General Gration’s Remarks
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The coming year represents a volatile time for the people of Sudan, with countrywide elections scheduled for April 2010, and a referendum on the secession of southern Sudan in January 2011. The Administration must work with international partners to hold the parties, especially Khartoum, accountable for lack of progress.
Save Darfur Coalition, American Jewish World Service and the Enough Project and the Center for America Progress respond:
Jerry Fowler – President, Save Darfur Coalition
“It’s important that Secretary Clinton acknowledged that basic freedoms necessary for fair elections do not exist in Sudan. But she and the US government need to accept the implication of that: with only about 90 days until they occur, the elections simply can’t be credible. It’s clear that the ruling NCP is hoping that fraudulent elections will legitimize its rule. The US must not let that happen.”
Ruth Messinger – President, American Jewish World Service
“The milestone that prompted today’s statement is not an anniversary to commemorate, but a wake up call. At the five-year mark, several critical benchmarks that will shape the future for millions of Sudanese remain unmet. We expect Secretary Clinton’s continued personal engagement and leadership during this crucial time in Sudan.”
John Prendergast – Co-Founder, Enough Project at the Center for American Progress
"U.S. officials are sending mixed messages on the degree to which they support democracy and human rights in Sudan. The security laws on the books today give no chance for democratic elections and human rights protections. It is of particular concern that the administration appears to not be willing to see the upsurge in violence in southern Sudan as partially a product of new arms being delivered to ethnic-based militias. These actions need to be condemned and planning needs to begin for multilateral consequences for stealing an election and pursuing a one way path to renewed national war."
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About the coalition: The Save Darfur Coalition – an alliance of more than 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.
About American Jewish World Service: American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is an international development organization motivated by Judaism's imperative to pursue justice. AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. Through grants to grassroots organizations, volunteer service, advocacy and education, AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community.
About Enough: Enough is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Founded in 2007, Enough focuses on 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. For more information, please visit www.enoughproject.org/.