The U.N. released figures today for end-of-year UNAMID troop deployment, which fails to meet even their already downgraded target. Officials previously pledged to deploy a modest 80 percent of the mission by this month – almost 18 months after the force was authorized – but that number was lowered to 60 percent in October. Jerry Fowler denounced this failure today and underscored the need for President-elect Obama to make ending this crisis a priority from his first day in office. Here’s what he said:
It is an outrage that the world’s leading powers can muster only 54 percent of a peacekeeping mission that they themselves authorized 17 months ago. While heads of state profess their sympathies for, and solidarity with, the Darfuri people they follow-up heartfelt talk with half-hearted actions. Members of the U.N. Security Council and their collective 54 percent effort deserve at best an “Incomplete” and are on a path for an “F,” as lasting peace, justice and security continue to elude the Darfuri people.
This is the challenge President-elect Obama will inherit – and one he must be prepared to confront from day one of his administration. We and others urge him to end the crisis instead of merely managing it by leading a ‘peace surge’ for Darfur. President-elect Obama must seize this opportunity by rallying key powers to devote full-time attention and resources to ending the continued hostilities, violence and suffering once and for all. Fifty-four percent efforts won’t be good enough – he must lead the world in devoting a 100 percent effort to resolve this crisis.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
