Yesterday the Obama Administration released their long awaited policy towards Sudan and acheiving peace there and in Darfur. As exciting as it is to finally have a policy…anything from the administration regarding Darfur and Sudan, one cannot help but be a little cautious.
The situation in Darfur is far from resolved and as Secretary Clinton put it earlier today, “the people of Darfur continue to live in unconscionable and unacceptable conditions.” It is that knowledge that one hopes will serve as the guiding light for President Obama, the State Department, and Special Envoy Scott Gration regarding policy decisions.
From Save Darfur Coalition President Jerry Fowler:
“Several things are critical for effective implementation. First, incentives should not be provided before there is concrete and lasting progress on resolving Sudan’s interlocking crises, opening political space for Sudanese to determine their future and protecting human rights. Second, the U.S. must generate multilateral support for both incentives and pressures. And third, we need to see substantial personal involvement from President Obama – for example, he must make Sudan a priority when he goes to China next month.”
Equally, President Obama made clear that he was committed to bringing peace, justice and stability to the region. From the official White House release:
“Our conscience and our interests in peace and security call upon the United States and the international community to act with a sense of urgency and purpose.”
It will, Mr. President, take just that sort of leadership and effort on behalf of you and your administration. This crisis doesn’t call for a referee or a foreman, but a leader. You, as citizen and Senator were just that leader. Now we ask that you again, as President, speak for those that “live in unconscionable and unacceptable conditions”, and help bring stability to the people of Darfur and Sudan.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
Tags: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Scott Gration
