Originally published on the CGS blog on October 19, 2009.
The United States has named three Strategic Objectives for Sudan:
- A definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses, and genocide in Darfur.
- Implementation of the North-South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that results in a peaceful post-2011 Sudan, or an orderly path toward two separate and viable states at peace with each other.
- Ensure that Sudan does not provide a safe haven for international terrorists.
The genocide in Darfur has been ongoing for six years. It was initiated by the National Congress Party (NCP) and a government supported militia called the Janjaweed. The Darfur region in Western Sudan has been targeted causing at least 300,000 deaths, 2.7 displaced individuals, and 250,000 refugees. The severity of the violence in the region has lessened since 2005, but people still live in insecurity and the genocide is still occurring. Sudan is at a critical juncture where the right action could lead to stability and peace. The press release called for the U.S. to act with a sense of urgency and purpose in Sudan. A U.S. Department of State press release stated:
“Without an active peace process, a commitment to addressing accountability for crimes committed against civilians, a fully deployed, equipped, and performing United Nations (U.N.)-African Union (AU) peacekeeping force, and serious planning for regional recovery, the situation in Darfur will continue to fester, destabilizing the country and the region.”
The U.S. has taken multilateral action to help the peace process in Sudan. The press release said that the U.S will work to strengthen the United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) by providing funding for equipment, and diplomatic support. The Special Envoy to Darfur will create and uphold a dialogue with armed movements in Darfur to promote peace. The U.S has also vowed to work to support the implementation of a U.N. Security Council Resolution that will fight sexual and gender based violence. Furthermore, the U.S. will work to support accountability by promoting international and national efforts to make the individuals responsible for the genocide face justice. These are just a few of the ways that the United States has agreed to work multilaterally to create peace in Sudan. The U.S. will also support elections and legislative processes in Sudan.
