Hitting the Ground Running on Darfur

Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama. After almost 2 years of campaigning, the 2008 election has come to a close. Now, the hard work begins.

The Road to November 4th

The presidential candidates have spoken about how Darfur would be an important issue during their administration if elected. The prominence of Darfur during this election was thanks in large part to all of you who participated in the Ask the Candidates Campaign. This march to the White House was full of notable moments like the historic joint statement on Darfur issued by the presidential front runners at the time-Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama. View more Successes of the Ask the Candidates Campaign.

Over 4 years ago-on September 9, 2004-President Bush took an unprecedented step when he recognized that the ongoing atrocities occurring in Darfur were genocide. Despite this declaration little has changed for the people of Darfur as the genocide continues. In 2008, at least 300,000 people have been displaced and there have been 43 reported aerial attacks by the Government of Sudan. Darfur peace initiatives have failed and the current peacekeeping mission is still largely ineffective.

What's Needed in Darfur: a Three-Pronged Approach

The election of a new administration brings with it renewed opportunity to accomplish what is needed to end genocide in Darfur.

Peace Surge: An expedited and robust commitment to peace is needed. This will require the selection of a senior official responsible for this issue. The United States must also reach out to interested parties with leverage in Sudan and the region, especially China, the United Kingdom, France and key African countries, to coordinate efforts.

Commitment to an Effective Peacekeeping Mission: UNAMID is failing to achieve its central goal of protecting the civilian population in Darfur. A robust force on the ground in Darfur, with a competent lead nation and a clear command and control structure, is essential for saving lives, creating an environment amenable to the peace surge and establishing the international credibility required to ensure that a broader peace strategy succeeds.

Accountability and Justice: Accountability for crimes against humanity in Darfur remains an essential element of a lasting peace in Sudan. A premature deferral of the cases against Sudan's leadership through invocation of Article 16 of the ICC's Rome Statute would set back the cause of peace. The U.S. should veto any UNSC resolution invoking Article 16.

The Time is Now

The people of Darfur have waited for peace as the world has watched the first genocide of the 21st century continue on our watch. Beginning today, November 5th, the President-elect has the opportunity and responsibility to hit the ground running on Darfur. We cannot afford to waste any time. Although the path may not be easy, we have promises to keep.

As President-elect Obama stated in his acceptance speech: "To those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."

-Allyson Neville, Advocacy Associate