FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Jonathan Hutson, [email protected]
WASHINGTON – Against a backdrop of Sudan’s ongoing attacks against civilians in Darfur, its alleged war crimes spree in the oil-producing border regions of Abyei and South Kordofan, and most recently its indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Blue Nile State, it might sound counterintuitive to proclaim this as an unprecedented moment of opportunity for Sudan. But Enough Project Co-founder John Prendergast makes precisely that case in the latest policy essay from the Enough Project, “What the Arab Spring Means for Sudan.”
“The people of Sudan certainly deserve no less than those in Egypt,Syria, and Libya. In those countries, the U.S. and Europe are actively supporting processes, efforts, and institutions aimed at creating democratic governments that can help bring peace, development and security to those countries,” says Prendergast.“Why should Sudan be different?”
“Long-marginalized populations in Sudan are organizing for change,” said John C. Bradshaw, Enough Project Executive Director. "The goal of democratic transformation should in the first instance be pursued through a comprehensive national peace process and internationally monitored elections, as set out in this policy essay, but if that cannot be successfully advanced, then other alternatives need to be considered."
The international community’s abandonment of despotic rulers like Egypt’s Mubarak and Libya’s Gaddafi, and the increasing isolation of Syria’s Assad have defied most prognostications. Therefore, Prendergast argues, a dictator like Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir cannot remain confident in the face of such a domino effect. Furthermore, the success of focused interventions to protect civilians in Benghazi, Libya and Abidjan, Ivory Coast, demonstrate that the world does not necessarily lack power or resolve to act in the face of human rights atrocities. And the apprehension of key war crimes suspects from the Balkans and Africa has breathed new life into international accountability efforts.
“The Arab Spring provides an historic moment, and a significant, active segment of the American public is strongly supportive of action to end Sudan’s suffering,” says Prendergast. “All of these variables could add up to a real possibility for change in Sudan, if the moment is seized.”
Read the policy essay, “What the Arab Spring Means for Sudan”: http://www.enou
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Enough is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Founded in 2007, the Enough Project focuses on crises in Sudan, eastern Congo, and areas of Africa affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army. 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.