With an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 deaths, 2.8 million displaced within Sudan since 2003, the road to peace in Darfur is paved with government accountability.

A focus group interview with Sudanese women, and responses from an emailed survey, reveal that the issues in Darfur are very complex. Before one can answer the question, "Why has international intervention failed?," another important question should be asked, "Why are people fighting in Sudan?"

Sudan, the largest African country, with an estimated population of 40 million, is rich with natural resources. Its economy is booming with the increases in oil production, high oil prices, and large inflows of foreign investment. Despite the richness of natural resources, and a booming economy, many Sudanese people live in poverty. The Sudanese government has a monopoly of power and wealth.

Darfur, located in western Sudan, has an estimated population of six million people. The conflict which erupted in 2003, like the conflict in the South and long brewing conflicts in the east, are a result of acts of rebellion against the government.

Measures taken so far to stop the fighting include:

Diplomacy
Mediated inter-party dialogue through the auspices of the African Union with the advice of influential political figures
Authorization of a 26,000 troop AU-UN hybrid peacekeeping force
Sanctions imposed on the Government of Sudan (GoS) to pressure them to come and negotiate for peace
Unilateral economic sanctions: US companies are not allowed to conduct business in or with companies in Sudan

Strategies have failed because the issues in Darfur are very complex and there is a general lack of understanding of where the problem lies. The situation arose because of competition for resources, lack of political representation and development opportunities, and security issues. Neither the GoS nor the Darfur rebel groups have observed agreements such as the Darfur Peace Agreement (May 2006), which was flawed because the process excluded many who should have been involved, and it neglected to address key issues.

Also, the GoS provides support to the Janjaweed - a militia in Darfur - in defiance of its international commitments to stop. The international community, including the UN Security Council, have failed to agree on other stiff penalties and sanctions against the Government of Sudan, primarily because of China's and Russia's support. China needs the oil that Sudan provides to support its rapidly

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Why has international intervention to stop the fighting in Darfur failed, and what policy alternatives might succeed??
We want to hear your view. Write now!