09/09/2004

…we concluded, I concluded, that genocide has been committed in Darfur and that the Government of Sudan and the Janjaweed bear responsibility -- and that genocide may still be occurring.

Refugees International commends Secretary Powell for calling what is happening in Darfur genocide.  But this historic declaration of genocide begs the question: “Now what?”

Powell’s comment is a rare declaration of genocide by a senior U.S.  official during an ongoing conflict.  Combined with the July 22nd Congressional declaration of genocide in Sudan, Powell’s statement makes the position of the U.S. clear.

Will the U.S. take assertive action to end the genocide?  Over the last few months, Powell’s diplomatic efforts have already led to some improvements in humanitarian access and Sudan’s agreement to accept 300 African Union monitors and troops to protect the monitors.  Yet diplomacy has failed to convince the government in Khartoum that it must stop the killing.  Clearly, the U.S. will need to pursue a more forceful diplomacy, including convincing European and Arab allies that they must also take action to end the genocide in Darfur.

Beyond rhetoric, the U.S. and the world must be prepared to stop the genocide, and this will require a commitment to using all tools available, including military action.  In his remarks to the Committee, Secretary Powell proposed a number of long term solutions such as increasing funding to train African peacekeeping troops.

More urgent action is needed to stop the killing, rape, and destruction of African villages in Darfur.  The AU has offered more troops, and is making a sincere effort to address the Darfur crisis.  The U.S. is financially supporting the logistics of moving more AU troops into Sudan, but there is a severe shortage of available troops.  The offers from the United Kingdom and Australia for troops should not be dismissed, and the U.S. should consider a small deployment of Marines.  The U.S., in a new draft UN Security Council Resolution also calls on Sudan to stop aerial bombardment of villages in Darfur, but the U.S. has not proposed a no-fly zone to prevent such attacks.

It is time for the U.S. to show true leadership and work with its allies within the United Nations to act effectively and quickly to end this genocide.

The world should not wait to stop the killing.  Already, 50,000 people have died and 1.4 million have been displaced.  In Darfur, delay means death.

RI recommends that:

• The Arab League should follow the example of the African Union in seeking ways to find a solution to the problem in Darfur.

• The UN Security Council should support U.S. recommendations for economic sanctions on Sudan’s petroleum sector, if the Government of Sudan refuses to disarm the Janjaweed.

• International donors must fulfill their promises for humanitarian aid to all the people of Sudan. Funds for the people of Darfur should not come at the expense of the refugees in Chad or people receiving assistance in the South.

• The U.S. Congress should support peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance in Darfur by identifying additional funds to support humanitarian efforts in Darfur.

Sarah Martin, RI Advocate, will be traveling to Darfur in late September.  Peter Gantz is Peacekeeping Advocate, and  Ken Bacon is President of Refugees International.