This class has drastically changed my view of Sudan, and my own life. It has made me step back and look at the world in a different light. Here at Shattuck, we are in a bubble in inside another bubble (America). We hear of famine, poverty, and genocide, but do we really understand what we think we know? Sometimes during 3rd period after hockey practice I catch myself saying "I am starving! I cannot wait for lunch." We use these words so freely here in America, but do we really know what we are saying. The last few times I have said "I am starving" I have felt a little sense of shame because I know that my life is so good and the food and water I have is extremely abundant. The things we take for granted are other people's luxuries. Last night, as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep, I thought of what a blessed life I have. I have a bed, not the hard desert ground, a roof over my head, not the stars or the threat of wild animals. My dad always asks me, "Do you know how lucky you are?" And I had always replied with a smile and "yes." But now I realize that I didn't know how lucky I am, and I still don't think I fully grasp the difference in lifestyles of America and Africa.
Also, the more I learned about the conflict in Sudan, the more I realized that many of the things we value in America are not the things that need to be focused on. Family, faith, and friends are the most important things of all. I believe that people who are more fortunate should be helping those in other countries. While we are having parties with an abundance of food, people over in Sudan are scrounging for some crumbs.
This has also made me realize that if I had a bad hockey game, if I did poorly on a test, or even if I had a bad day, this is unimportant in the long run. I am grateful I am studying these conflicts because it has opened my mind to a whole new way of thinking.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Questions Response
I think all people are born good. I believe that experiences when we are young shape your character and who you become. Children are innocent and the world eventually leaves an impression on them, so the better or worse. In the novel, They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky, the boys see older soldiers and learn from their actions. Many of these soon to be soldiers are not taught that killing is wrong, they actually form the desire to kill because "they'd seen a lot of killing and they also wanted to kill" (127). Although many young boys may see older soldiers and think their guns and uniforms are cool, killing is a whole different story. Once you have the gun in your hands, I would think you would have to override your conscience in order to kill someone (if they were not attacking you). Many of the soldiers must silence their conscience or ignore it in order to allow themselves to commit these actions.
Fear and self preservation are other factors that may motivate soldiers to kill. The Janjaweed soldiers may feel that if they do not fight against the SPLA soldiers, the government will turn against them. Therefore, many may believe that if they don't fight, they will die.
A person's circumstances also has a significant affect on what they are or are not willing to do. For example, in the book They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky, Alepho says "I did silly things: got angry over nothing, fought. It was my way of dealing with our situation" (118). Many people take their anger and fear out on those around them. This reminds me of the old saying, the boss yells at the husband, the husband comes home and yells at the wife, wife yells at the child, the child kicks the dog. The saying can relate to Sudan because the government may be cruel to the Janjaweed, and the Janjaweed are angry or scared of more violence so they hurt the Sudanese civilians. The SPLA may also be hurt by the government and their lack of support and may therefore be taking out their anger on the Janjaweed.
When someone inflicts pain on another human or animal, they often hurt themselves just as much or more than the victim. In some part (small or large) part of a soldier's mind and heart, there must be an overwhelming sense of guilt, confusion, fear, and lack of confidence. They must fear that someone will murder them, like they have murdered others. Their confusion and lack of confidence is a result of their suppressed conscience. Your conscience is what often decides the difference between right and wrong and helps you make you decisions. Therefore, when you silence this force, or when it is raging, trying to tell you what you are doing is wrong, you lose the ability to decipher between right and wrong.
Many people let others convince them to fight through guilt. People may say that you need to fight for your country, that others fought for you and now it is your turn. A boy, Alepho, in the book named above felt this at one level or another because he had a dream where a skull (the leftover of a victim in warring Sudan) said to him "'Son, you will fight this war. We all paid for it. Everybody will pay for it" (301). But if you let someone convince you that you need to become something you are not or that you do not want to be, that if your fault for not standing up for yourself before you lose the power to control yourself at all.
Some people might argue that young kids do not have a choice in whether or not they become soldiers. Yes, they do have a choice. Many boys (including the three boys in They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky) escaped the camps and the military training or they died trying. You always have a choice in everything you are offered or things people attempt to force on you. If you accept, often times you will lose your life and independence. If you reject, then you will save your own life and the lives of others through your courage.
Sources:
They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky
Fear and self preservation are other factors that may motivate soldiers to kill. The Janjaweed soldiers may feel that if they do not fight against the SPLA soldiers, the government will turn against them. Therefore, many may believe that if they don't fight, they will die.
A person's circumstances also has a significant affect on what they are or are not willing to do. For example, in the book They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky, Alepho says "I did silly things: got angry over nothing, fought. It was my way of dealing with our situation" (118). Many people take their anger and fear out on those around them. This reminds me of the old saying, the boss yells at the husband, the husband comes home and yells at the wife, wife yells at the child, the child kicks the dog. The saying can relate to Sudan because the government may be cruel to the Janjaweed, and the Janjaweed are angry or scared of more violence so they hurt the Sudanese civilians. The SPLA may also be hurt by the government and their lack of support and may therefore be taking out their anger on the Janjaweed.
When someone inflicts pain on another human or animal, they often hurt themselves just as much or more than the victim. In some part (small or large) part of a soldier's mind and heart, there must be an overwhelming sense of guilt, confusion, fear, and lack of confidence. They must fear that someone will murder them, like they have murdered others. Their confusion and lack of confidence is a result of their suppressed conscience. Your conscience is what often decides the difference between right and wrong and helps you make you decisions. Therefore, when you silence this force, or when it is raging, trying to tell you what you are doing is wrong, you lose the ability to decipher between right and wrong.
Many people let others convince them to fight through guilt. People may say that you need to fight for your country, that others fought for you and now it is your turn. A boy, Alepho, in the book named above felt this at one level or another because he had a dream where a skull (the leftover of a victim in warring Sudan) said to him "'Son, you will fight this war. We all paid for it. Everybody will pay for it" (301). But if you let someone convince you that you need to become something you are not or that you do not want to be, that if your fault for not standing up for yourself before you lose the power to control yourself at all.
Some people might argue that young kids do not have a choice in whether or not they become soldiers. Yes, they do have a choice. Many boys (including the three boys in They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky) escaped the camps and the military training or they died trying. You always have a choice in everything you are offered or things people attempt to force on you. If you accept, often times you will lose your life and independence. If you reject, then you will save your own life and the lives of others through your courage.
Sources:
They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Response to Mr. Cavellier's Comment
When the people of Sudan talk about "leaving famine to foreigners," they are talking about the leaders of America. If the people of America left the victims of hurricane Katrina to be "helped by foreigners" I would think of our country as being lazy because we have the resources to help the people in our country. I think that would also make the US more vulnerable because we would be in the hands of another country (especially for an even larger issue). I understand that the government or other citizens in Sudan may not be able to help their starving people, but the fact that they are not even trying to help or solve the problem infuriates me. The fact that the Sudanese government is taking our help for granted also makes me angry. However, I am happy that I live in a country that can afford to help other countries. I agree with you, that the US is good with helping others in our nation. I do not think we are naive for believing this either. The US is competent, and we know that we are. But if we were in severe trouble, we would have allies to come and help us. But if we ever do call for help, we will help the ally help us and not take their assistance for granted, like the Sudanese people are doing for the famine.
I think that the Sudanese do not help or care about the other people in their country the way the US does because Sudan has been so segregated for so many years that they do not feel the patriotic bond of belonging to the same country. Therefore, they are not willing to help one another to the extent that Americans do.
I think that the Sudanese do not help or care about the other people in their country the way the US does because Sudan has been so segregated for so many years that they do not feel the patriotic bond of belonging to the same country. Therefore, they are not willing to help one another to the extent that Americans do.
Helping Darfur
Elie Wiesel, a survivor of the Holocaust, is eagerly trying to create an awareness of Darfur and to end the genocide occurring there. He realizes that each day Darfur continues the killings there are countless innocent lives taken. Many people, similar to Wiesel, can relate to the people in Darfur. Some people share the same emotions, the same cultural background, or even the same experiences with the victims of the genocide. These bonds with the people in Darfur drive them to try and stop the genocide.
There are many groups that are working together to show Americans how terrible the genocide is in Darfur. The "Voices from Darfur" tour is program that helps people understand the deaths and suffering of the people in Darfur in more ways than just numbers. This tour has reached over 44 cities nationwide.
I have utmost respect for the people leading this tour and the people spreading awareness for the genocide in Darfur. I cringe when I watch reality TV shows where wealthy people spend their money in frivolous ways. I think these people are selfish; they need to be helping others and to use their money to make a positive influence on the world. These wealthy people should be able to live comfortably but the lavish lifestyle that some of these celebrities live is simply outrageous. And some people say that even if they did donate money to help the cause, they would not have an impact anyway. That is NOT true. Every effort, cent, and prayer will help these suffering people in more ways than we realize.
Sources:
http://www.facinghistory.org/resources/lessons/darfur-now-lesson-four
http://www.savedarfur.org/newsroom/clips/darfur_refugee_speaks_on_genocide_survival/
There are many groups that are working together to show Americans how terrible the genocide is in Darfur. The "Voices from Darfur" tour is program that helps people understand the deaths and suffering of the people in Darfur in more ways than just numbers. This tour has reached over 44 cities nationwide.
I have utmost respect for the people leading this tour and the people spreading awareness for the genocide in Darfur. I cringe when I watch reality TV shows where wealthy people spend their money in frivolous ways. I think these people are selfish; they need to be helping others and to use their money to make a positive influence on the world. These wealthy people should be able to live comfortably but the lavish lifestyle that some of these celebrities live is simply outrageous. And some people say that even if they did donate money to help the cause, they would not have an impact anyway. That is NOT true. Every effort, cent, and prayer will help these suffering people in more ways than we realize.
Sources:
http://www.facinghistory.org/resources/lessons/darfur-now-lesson-four
http://www.savedarfur.org/newsroom/clips/darfur_refugee_speaks_on_genocide_survival/
Response to Ms. Cavellier's Comment
The photographer who documented the Janjaweed in the New Yorker is named Bruno Stevens. He has captured images for many different universal issues. There is one picture and brief blog about the Georgia War (see link below). Another link below will bring up a picture and small comment on the aftermath of the Lebanon war. There is also a website written by Stevens that talks about the Leica M8 camera he used in Iran. Although the site is primarily talking about the camera, there are some very good pictures on it as well.
He was also the coauthor and photographer of the book Baghdad: Truth Lies Within. The book is about the lives of people in Baghdad before, during, and after the war in Iraq that occurred in 2003. This book reveals the clear truth about the war, which is hazy for many people. The story tells about the fall of Suddam Hussein's government and the turmoil that was caused when the Americans came over. There are also 200 graphic and moving pictures in this book. It sounds good...I think I might go to Barnes and Noble and get it!
Sources:
http://www.artbook.com/9055445088.html
http://www.drr.net/Bruno/Common/PhotoDetailPage.aspx?msa=0&pid=18217762&slid=afadfaa6-02dc-492a-99fd-018a7a1389f2&slididx=195&lid=0&rstid=487a4e3c-cb45-4259-a4d2-467698b67f1e&aid=1
http://www.digitalrailroad.net/Bruno/Common/PhotoDetailPage.aspx?msa=0&pid=6011484&slid=ea2f8c36-864f-4f03-9973-b82ec6997269&slididx=7&lid=0&rstid=91bf2ed1-750f-47b5-b8f6-84c64212afdd
http://www.digitalfilmmaker.net/0907/leicaM8/index2.html
He was also the coauthor and photographer of the book Baghdad: Truth Lies Within. The book is about the lives of people in Baghdad before, during, and after the war in Iraq that occurred in 2003. This book reveals the clear truth about the war, which is hazy for many people. The story tells about the fall of Suddam Hussein's government and the turmoil that was caused when the Americans came over. There are also 200 graphic and moving pictures in this book. It sounds good...I think I might go to Barnes and Noble and get it!
Sources:
http://www.artbook.com/9055445088.html
http://www.drr.net/Bruno/Common/PhotoDetailPage.aspx?msa=0&pid=18217762&slid=afadfaa6-02dc-492a-99fd-018a7a1389f2&slididx=195&lid=0&rstid=487a4e3c-cb45-4259-a4d2-467698b67f1e&aid=1
http://www.digitalrailroad.net/Bruno/Common/PhotoDetailPage.aspx?msa=0&pid=6011484&slid=ea2f8c36-864f-4f03-9973-b82ec6997269&slididx=7&lid=0&rstid=91bf2ed1-750f-47b5-b8f6-84c64212afdd
http://www.digitalfilmmaker.net/0907/leicaM8/index2.html
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Famine
The information given in this article about the famine in Sudan is extremely surprising. This problem, considered a major issue in the United States, is viewed exactly opposite in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The recent coup was not caused by starving people or even the concern for them, it was carried out by people who were concerned with overthrowing the leader Nemerie, and the future of the south and its resources. The citizens of Khartoum view famine as “a crisis best left to foreigners.” The United States has been aiding the starving Sudanese people with food, military aid, and other supplies, and the politicians in Khartoum think that the US are taking care of the situation. This attitude annoys 
me because politicians from other countries should not expect the US to take care of their starving people. And when we do take care of these people, the politicians certainly should not take it for granted and say “the US is handling it” in such a carefree manner. It also offends me that other countries are not going to appreciate or recognize the aid that is costing the US over $450 million. Sudanese politicians should be taking steps to help the major issue in Sudan, but since the African peasants “never start coups” this issue has been ignored. When other Sudanese citizens make efforts to relieve the hunger problem, they are looked upon as black sheep. One 24 year old man, Osama Fatouta, founded the Sudanese Volunteer Services Association. This Association consists of a young group of Sudanese volunteers that work with famine victims. From the United States point of view, this man is a leader and he is doing the right thing. However, Fatouta says “’People I know think I’m crazy. They can’t understand why I am doing this. I’ve gotten little support, it has been an uphill struggle all the way.’” Most of the people in Khartoum were worried about overthrowing Nemerie, and the author of this article said “I rarely heard any discussion of [famine].” I think the Sudanese people and government leaders need to help their own country as much as possible and eliminate this welfare mentality.
Source:
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/198604/sudan
http://i.timeinc.net/time/daily/special/photo/inferno/sudan2.jpg
http://www.mzv.cz/servis/soubor.asp?id=11079
me because politicians from other countries should not expect the US to take care of their starving people. And when we do take care of these people, the politicians certainly should not take it for granted and say “the US is handling it” in such a carefree manner. It also offends me that other countries are not going to appreciate or recognize the aid that is costing the US over $450 million. Sudanese politicians should be taking steps to help the major issue in Sudan, but since the African peasants “never start coups” this issue has been ignored. When other Sudanese citizens make efforts to relieve the hunger problem, they are looked upon as black sheep. One 24 year old man, Osama Fatouta, founded the Sudanese Volunteer Services Association. This Association consists of a young group of Sudanese volunteers that work with famine victims. From the United States point of view, this man is a leader and he is doing the right thing. However, Fatouta says “’People I know think I’m crazy. They can’t understand why I am doing this. I’ve gotten little support, it has been an uphill struggle all the way.’” Most of the people in Khartoum were worried about overthrowing Nemerie, and the author of this article said “I rarely heard any discussion of [famine].” I think the Sudanese people and government leaders need to help their own country as much as possible and eliminate this welfare mentality.
Source:
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/198604/sudan
http://i.timeinc.net/time/daily/special/photo/inferno/sudan2.jpg
http://www.mzv.cz/servis/soubor.asp?id=11079
Thursday, September 18, 2008
BBC; China 'is Fuelling war in Darfur'
The BBC website has a lot of thorough and reliable information that has helped me gain a more thorough perspective on the war in Darfur. The link that I am particularly interested in is the one labeled China 'is Fuelling war in Darfur.' I cannot believe that another country would aid and fuel this horrible war. The UN has placed an arms embargo on Dafur. This means foreign nations are not allowed to militarily assist anyone in the conflict in Darfur. China is going directly against that. Over 300,000 people have died in the war in Darfur and the thought that any country would encourage and prolong this is appalling, regardless of their financial profit. There have been lorries found in Sudan, and the plates on these trucks prove that they were imported after the embargo was set in place. Three years ago, the UN has strong reason to believe that the lorries were imported from China to Sudan but they could not find them. The lorries were only discovered recently. I think China should stay out of the war in Darfur, even if they feel they are helping. China is not helping by adding weapons to the problem. Although China has denied this aid, there is valid evidence to prove otherwise.
Sources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm
http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2008/07/20/story34557.asp
Sources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm
http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2008/07/20/story34557.asp
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
"An African Tragedy" Photos
The photos taken in Sudan of the Janjaweed showing the hurt they inflicted on their own people are appalling. In the first picture, the Janjaweed soldiers look young and this makes me wonder if they truly realize what they are doing. I assume that these young soldiers were put into training at an even younger age, and that killing and their other acts of violence were instilled in them as the "right way" in their most impressionable years. However, that is definitely not an excuse for their actions. Seeing the picture of the starving three year old who was just admitted into the Nutrition Center, I wonder how anyone could do this. Even if you have been raised to kill, there must be something deep in the hearts of the Janjaweed soldiers that tell them this is wrong. However, the soldiers may justify their actions because they feel they must support the government of their country. Or maybe they feel they have only two options: fight for the Janjaweed and live or fight against the Janjaweed and die.
When I look at the the starving people, it reminds me of Benson, in the novel They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky, when he was waiting for food and said, "[we were] weak with hunger, ribs collapsed in" (143 Benson Deng). He also described the refugees as being stick-like, and this is clearly shown in the photos. When I see these photos, it makes me fully grasp that the stories in They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky are not imagined. These problems are real and they are happening right now.
To view "An African Tradegy" go to:
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2004/08/30/slideshow_040830
When I look at the the starving people, it reminds me of Benson, in the novel They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky, when he was waiting for food and said, "[we were] weak with hunger, ribs collapsed in" (143 Benson Deng). He also described the refugees as being stick-like, and this is clearly shown in the photos. When I see these photos, it makes me fully grasp that the stories in They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky are not imagined. These problems are real and they are happening right now.
To view "An African Tradegy" go to:
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2004/08/30/slideshow_040830
Sunday, September 14, 2008
They Poured Fire on us From the Sky
Benjamin, Benson, and Alepho are examples of people who were affected by the fighting in Sudan. These are characters in the novel They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky, which tells of the trials of the Sudanese people. Benson and Benjamin had to flee from their homeland and go to Ethiopia, while Alepho stayed in his own village and faced hardships there. Benson and Benjamin had to walk for three months through the desert, and although for part of the time they were protected by the SPLA, this rebel army was still not very kind to the boys. At one time in the story, Benson was kicked off the water truck (which he was riding with the other young boys) because he had fallen asleep by the engine to stay warm. Even the forces that were supposed to be kind to the people were occasionally hostile. This book also gives an example of a young girl who had been raped by a Janjaweed soldier and her body had been broken by it. The war affects so many people in such a variety of different ways, but Alepho acknowledges, "From wat [he] could see, men or women, children or adults, young or aged, rich or poor, war was making everyone equal." (123 Alephonsian Deng). The civil war in Sudan is being fought without any rules of morals. There is no limit to the killing. Much of the conflict is a battle for control of resources in the South, although there is no one in Sudan who seems capable of utilizing these natural resources (oil is an example of a resource that is abundant in Sudan). Sudan must develop a more diverse economic base in order to survive and help this conflict because people are relying on the agricultural resources but these are very fragile due to drought and famine. Most of the countries surrounding Sudan have their own political problems and therefore are not in the position to intervene and assist the country. Due to the size of Sudan, this country has become a base for guerrillas and terrorists. Osama bin Laden had set up his operations in Sudan before he was kicked out and relocated in Afghanistan. There has been increased international concern for the people in the western Darfur region, but I think other countries should be concerned for Sudan as a whole because they have had fighting in their country for over twenty years and the root of this problem is still the same. Someone or something needs to take action so this civil war does not continue, get worse, or evolve into genocide.
(People dying in Darfur).
Sources:
They Poured fire on Us from the Sky
Current Conflict: Darfur
In February 2003, African tribes in Darfur rebelled against the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum and over 200,000 have died since that time. Many other tribes have also rebelled due to neglect or suppression. The Janjaweed, the pro-government Arab militia have tried to crush these rebellions and in doing so, has killed many people atrocious ways. (The Sudanese government denies supporting the Janjaweed, but they armed this group and do support it). They have also committed rape, theft, and other crimes. Although most of the bad name goes to the Janjaweed, as it rightfully should, both the militia and the rebels have done terrible things without concern for human rights. They have done these things as terrorist acts in order to try and inflict physical and psychological damage on the opposing forces. Millions have been
killed and in the past few decades, there is an estimated four million refugees who have tried to flee their homes to get away from the danger of the conflict. An estimated 2 million of these people have died in their efforts.
(Above: Map of location of Darfur in Sudan)
Sources:
http://www.savedarfur.org/content?splash=yes
http://www.darfurinformation.com/
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/6/6e/Darfur_map.png
SPLA divided into 3
In August 1991, there was still fighting going on between the north and the south but the SPLA was fighting from within. The group was not agreeing on various issues and therefore split into three different factions of the rebel army. These factions were the Nasir led by Colonel Garang, the second rebel faction was led by William Nyuon Bany, and the third was formed by Kerubino Kwanyin Bol. The coalition of these groups was called SPLA United, but the groups fought occasionally and this lost them much of their credibility in the West.Although there are many different groups controlling (or fighting for control) in many different areas of Sudan, there are many places without any form of government. Sudan is simply too large for Khartoum's government or the rebel forces to control it all. (The U.S. not only has Washington, D.C., it has state governments that help control the country.)
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudan_People's_Liberation_Army
http://www.splmtoday.com/
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudan_People's_Liberation_Army
http://www.splmtoday.com/
SPLA vs. Khartoum
The SPLA protects and controls many areas of Sudan, including Equatoria, Bahr al Ghazal, the Upper Nile provinces, Darfur, Kordofan, and the Blue Nile provinces. The government, on the other hand, controls a large amount of the major south towns and cities including Juba, Wau, and Malakal. The cease-fire that the peace plan had put into place was violated in October 1989 and the fighting has raged in Sudan ever since. In February 2003, African tribes in Darfur rebelled against the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum and over 200,000 have died since that time. Many other tribes have also rebelled due to neglect or suppression. The SPLA often lead rebellions or aid tribes that are involved in one. The Janjaweed, the pro-government Arab militia have tried to crush these rebellions and in doing so, has killed many people atrocious ways. (The Sudanese government denies supporting the Janjaweed, but they armed this group and do support it). They have also committed rape, theft, and other crimes. Although most of the bad name goes to the Janjaweed, as it rightfully should, but both the militia and the rebels (including the SPLA) have done terrible things without concern for human rights. They have done these things as terrorist acts in order to try and inflict physical and psychological damage on the opposing forces. Millions have been killed and in the past few decades, there is an estimated four million refugees who have tried to flee their homes to get away from the danger of the conflict. An estimated 2 million of these people have died in their efforts.
(Picture of SPLA soldiers)
Sources:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/spla.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudan_People
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Sudan-people-liberation-army-spla-2.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudan_People
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Sudan-people-liberation-army-spla-2.jpg
SPLA
After the 1985 coup, President Nimeiry was overthrown by the new government and these new leaders made large changes in order to try and reconcile the north and the south. However, the Shari’a laws instituted by Nimeiry, often known as the September Laws were held in place. In May 1986, the new Sadiq al-Mahdi government tried to make peace with the SPLA, which was led by Col John Garang de Mabior. Garang formed the SPLA in 1983 when he was sent to Bor to end a rebellion of 500 southern troops who were resisting to be moved north. Instead of ending the rebellion, he encouraged other groups to rebel and set himself at the head of the rebellion against Khartoum. In 1986, the SPLA and many other Sudanese political parties had a meeting in Ethiopia and agreed that their goal was to abolish Islamic law and to assemble a constitutional conference. This declaration was called “Koka Dam.” In 1988, the SPLA and the Democratic Unionist Party agreed on a peace plan containing these elements: abolition of military pacts with Egypt and Libya, stop the enforcement of Islamic law, an end to the state of emergency, and a cease-fire. After this peace plan, they planned on assembling the constitutional conference. In February 1989, the Sadiq al-Mahdi government approved the plan and had several meetings with the SPLA. Also, the conference was scheduled to convene in September 1989 but the military government, which took control on June 30, 1989 did not want to negotiate with the SPLA without preconditions. This angered the DUP/SPLA and very little was resolved in the negotiations that took place.
Sources:
http://www.thewe.cc/thewei/&_/images8/chad/spla.jpe
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/spla.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Sudanese_Civil_War
Sources:
http://www.thewe.cc/thewei/&_/images8/chad/spla.jpe
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/spla.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Sudanese_Civil_War
Saturday, September 13, 2008
SSLM
Joseph Lagu was the leader of a group of southern forces opposed to the people who held power in Khartoum. In 1971, he announced the creation of the Southern Sudan Liberation Movement (SSLM) and the large majority of exiled southern politicians supported him. Anya Nya leaders also supported Lagu. (Anya Nya was a Southern Sudanese separatist rebel army created during the First Sudanese Civil War. The name means "snake venom" in the Madi language).
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anyanya
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/sudan-civil-war1.htm
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anyanya
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/sudan-civil-war1.htm
Addis Ababa Accords
President Nemeiry believed he could stop the fighting of the First Sudanese Civil War and bring Sudan stability if he granted regional selfgovernment and developed the south economically. Therefore, Khartoum established contact with the SSLM (see blog titled "SSLM") in October 1971. After many arrangements were made, the two groups met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February 1972. At first, the two sides had very different views. The south wanted a federal state with a separate southern government and their own army that would come into action only if the federal president commanded it due to a threat from outside Sudan. The north wanted to keep control over the south, governing from Khartoum.
Eventually the two sides agreed on autonomy for the southern region of Sudan (made of present day Al Istiwai, Bahr al Ghazal, and Aali an Nil) under a regional president picked by the national president with the recommendation of an elected Southern Regional Assembly. The regional president would appoint the High Executive Council which would control all parts of the government in the region with the exception of areas such as defense, foreign affairs, currency and finance, economic and social planning, and interregional problems. The national government (along with southern representatives) would be in control of these issues. Southerners were also molded into a 12,000-man southern command of the Sudanese army with an equal number of northern and southern leaders. Arabic was also declared Sudan's official language under this agreement and English was the south's principle language, which was taught in southern schools and used in administration. Some of the SSLM leaders were not in total agreement with these terms, but Lagu approved of the terms and both sides agreed to stop fighting. After both sides signed the accords, on March 27, 1972, Sudan considered this day National Unity Day. (Currently, Sudan's National Unity Day is on March 3). This agreement granted a decade of peace which was ended when President Nemeiry declared the imposition of Shari'a law throughout Sudan in 1983.
Sources:
http://www.sudanreconstruction.org/timeline.html
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/sudan-civil-war1.htm
http://destinia.com/guide/the-world/africa/sudan/1-30001-30207/6/en
http://www.spraguephoto.com/stock/images/5500_5999/5922%20Tribal%20Sudan%20Community%20celebration%20at%20Toposa%20tribal%20village%20of%20Naboliyatom%20near%20Nanyangacor%20South%20Sudan.jpg
Eventually the two sides agreed on autonomy for the southern region of Sudan (made of present day Al Istiwai, Bahr al Ghazal, and Aali an Nil) under a regional president picked by the national president with the recommendation of an elected Southern Regional Assembly. The regional president would appoint the High Executive Council which would control all parts of the government in the region with the exception of areas such as defense, foreign affairs, currency and finance, economic and social planning, and interregional problems. The national government (along with southern representatives) would be in control of these issues. Southerners were also molded into a 12,000-man southern command of the Sudanese army with an equal number of northern and southern leaders. Arabic was also declared Sudan's official language under this agreement and English was the south's principle language, which was taught in southern schools and used in administration. Some of the SSLM leaders were not in total agreement with these terms, but Lagu approved of the terms and both sides agreed to stop fighting. After both sides signed the accords, on March 27, 1972, Sudan considered this day National Unity Day. (Currently, Sudan's National Unity Day is on March 3). This agreement granted a decade of peace which was ended when President Nemeiry declared the imposition of Shari'a law throughout Sudan in 1983.
The National Unity Day celebrations are similiar to this celebration.
Sources:
http://www.sudanreconstruction.org/timeline.html
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/sudan-civil-war1.htm
http://destinia.com/guide/the-world/africa/sudan/1-30001-30207/6/en
http://www.spraguephoto.com/stock/images/5500_5999/5922%20Tribal%20Sudan%20Community%20celebration%20at%20Toposa%20tribal%20village%20of%20Naboliyatom%20near%20Nanyangacor%20South%20Sudan.jpg
Politics of Sudan During the First Sudanese Civil War
During this time of the First Sudanese Civil War, there was an election held in April 1965 (and several after) but none of the elected governments were able to agree on a constitution or to handle the problems of factionalism, economic stagnation, and ethnic conflict of the north and south. The Northerners were mostly Arab and Muslim and the southerners were mostly African, Christian, or animistic (the belief that natural objects have souls). On May 25, 1969, Colonel Gaafar Muhammad Nimeiri led a military coup and became prime minister and abolished parliament. All political parties were outlawed as well.
(Colonel Gaafar Muhammad Nemeiry)Sources:
First Sudanese War
The First Sudanese Civil War of 1955 to 1972 was caused by overflowing feelings of resentment in the south. They were upset with northern Muslim Arab domination in the country and the fact that Britain did not follow through in creating a federal government. During the next seventeen years of history, the southern people of Sudan experienced civil conflicts and many leaders in the south were itching for regional autonomy or secession (similar to the South in America before and during the Civil War). Another factor that eventually led to an explosion of civil war was the abundance of natural resources that were found in the south. The south was rich in oil fields (70% of Sudan's export earnings comes from oil revenues) and had a more abundant supply and accessibility to water (due to the Nile River and more abundant precipitation). In effect, the water made the south have fertile lands where the north was primarily dry because it borders the Sahara Desert. Eventually, the civil war ended in 1972 with the signing of the Addis Ababa Accords (Agreement).
(For more information on the political activity in Sudan during the First Sudanese Civil War, see blog "Politics of Sudan during the First Sudanese Civil War.")
Top Picture: northern Sudanese landscape
Bottom Picture: southern Sudanese landscape
(For more information on the political activity in Sudan during the First Sudanese Civil War, see blog "Politics of Sudan during the First Sudanese Civil War.")
Top Picture: northern Sudanese landscape
Bottom Picture: southern Sudanese landscape
Sources:
http://dictionary.refe/rence.com/browse/animistic
http://www.sheltercentre.org/shelterlibrary/items/pdf/Sudan.pdf
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www2.anglican.ca/mission/programs/globalrelations/reports/images/LandscapeinSouthernSudan.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www2.anglican.ca/mission/programs/globalrelations/reports/index.htm&h=487&w=650&sz=76&hl=en&start=1&usg=__RiUbtEaExqoEuSOBMGsKoBKOnVg=&tbnid=cZfbYoQBgAev8M:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsouthern%2Bsudan%2Blandscape%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive
http://www.sheltercentre.org/shelterlibrary/items/pdf/Sudan.pdf
British Effect
The segregation of the two regions started when the British obtained rule of the country in 1898 and ran it as a colony until 1956. The British ran the north and south in different ways, discouraged trade between the two, and the north could not hold power in the south or the south in the north. These seemingly minor separations drastically affected Sudan in the course of history. In 1946, due to northern pressure, the British reintegrated the north and south. The uniform language of administration in the north and south became Arab and the northerners started holding positions of influence in the south. Southern leaders, who had been trained in English, resented that they were not allowed to be a part of their own government. After decolonization, most of the power was given to the northern office holders and this caused resentment in the south. Britain also did not follow through on
their promise to the Southerners to create a federal government for Sudan. This caused anger in the south and led to a rebellion by southern army officers which started a civil war that lasted from 1955 to 1972.
Sources:
Monday, September 8, 2008
Second Sudanese Civil War
Finally, in 1972, the Addis Ababa Accords (Agreement) was signed and this granted the south regional autonomy for their internal affairs. Although this was less freedom than a succession would have given, it eased their resentment. However, the peace did not last for long. In 1983, President Nimeiry declared in his Islamicization campaign that he wanted to change Sudan into a Muslim Arab state, separating it into three different regions that were required to follow the Shari'a law. This angered the Southern Sudanese people because most of their traditions were Christian, traditional African or animistic beliefs. Even the Northern Sudanese people questioned this plan. But if a citizen stated something in public that was controversial to Nimeiry's plan, you would be arrested. This action caused resentment and hostile feelings in Sudan until war broke out once again. Other things that lead to the resumption of civil war included President Nimeiry's declaration of a state of emergency in order to ensure the Shari'a was enforced and most of the people's constitutional rights were taken away during this time. Also, the government stated amputating arms and legs for theft and doing public thrashings for alcohol possession.
(See "Addis Ababa Accords" and "Shari'a Law" blogs for more detailed information on each subject).
(See "Addis Ababa Accords" and "Shari'a Law" blogs for more detailed information on each subject).
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Sudanese_Civil_War
http://www.sheltercentre.org/shelterlibrary/items/pdf/Sudan.pdf
https://mail.s-sm.org/owa/redir.aspx?C=e733ea6867fe472ca5623e9af8946b0d&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.globalsecurity.org%2fmilitary%2fworld%2fwar%2fsudan-civil-war2.htm
Shari'a Law
The Shari'a is the body and content of the Islamic law. The name means "way" or "path to water source." If one lives in a country based on Islamic principle, then the Shari'a law controls most aspects of one's public and private life. The Shari'a deals with politics, economics, banking, family, sexuality, business, and much more. There is not a specific set of laws laid out by this system, it is simply a religious code for living. The Shari'a is derived from the Qur'an, the Muslim holy book, and the Sunna, which is Islamic custom or practice. Some of the practices that someone following the Shari'a would partake in include circumcision, specific dress codes (ex. women must keep their whole body covered except for their eyes), and burial rituals.
The Shari'a is only supposed to apply to Muslims; Christians and people of different religions are supposed to be exempt from these religious practices and obligations. This is why the Christians, tradition African believers, and animistics were so angry when President Nemeiry forced all of Sudan to follow the Shari'a.
Sources:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/Allah-eser2.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharia
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/I_Transp/IO8_MuslimLaw.html
http://www.religioustolerance.org/islsharia.htm
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