Darfur: Week of August 8th, 2008

Thanks to Lopez Lomong, it’s good to believe in the Olympics again
This year’s Olympics, marred with politics and a predictable amount of activism has had its first personal story that carries much needed redemptive power. It’s the power of a human being who has against all odds taken himself out of the strife of war and focused his energies on something that would give him personal value and a personal sense of accomplishment that people all over the world strive to achieve. This is the story of Lopez Lomong, who is a 1,5000-meter runner in this year’s Olympics. Lomong is a Sudanese refugee who was abducted from a church at age 6 and forced to become a child soldier. He has been chosen by the US team to carry the American flag into the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The US Olympic Committee had that day almost “disowned” Joey Cheek, the speedskater who worked with Save Darfur. His work with Save Darfur resulted in China revoking his visa and preventing him from attending the Olympics.
Lomong spent 10 years of his life in a refugee camp. While watching the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, he vowed that he would run like Michael Johnson. In 2001, he wrote a heartfelt essay to a program that helped the “Lost Boys of Sudan” find decent homes. In his essay he described what he would do if he were allowed to live in the US. He received assistance and ended up living with a foster family in Tully, NY. Later, he attended Northern Arizona University. He proceeded to win titles. Last year, he took an oath to become a US citizen. This year, he is the flag bearer for the US, representing the US while making his dream come true.
The American team has really showed that it has compassion and can see past all of the controversy surrounding this year’s Olympics. The world can witness this display of remarkable sportsmanship and team spirit. It also shows the strength of the human spirit in one runner, a world citizen from Sudan, Lomong, who didn’t let his spirit die before he sent in an essay that brought him to become a US citizen and is now carrying a flag from a country that has historically celebrated individual freedoms.
Sudan appoints Darfur Prosecutor
As expected, Sudan has refused recognizing the ICC. In response, Sudanese Justice Minister Abdul Basit Sabdarat has appointed a special prosecutor to probe the war crimes in Darfur and bring cases to court. The prosecutor is Nimer Ibrahim Mohamed, who enters his new role amongst severe criticism of the Sudanese legal system. Defense representing Darfur rebels, Kamal Omar, says that the legal system needs reform. He has also called the appointment a media stunt.
The Sudan Media Centre has reported that the justice ministry will incorporate crimes listed in international law into new draft legislation. The ministry will also send legal teams to Darfur to monitor the situation on the ground. In addition, the AU is creating a list of top lawyers to work with the government after the ICC accusation in order to investigate the Darfur crisis. It is understandable to have misgivings about Sudanese promises to try war criminals as a result of its past record. As it is, time will tell as will international attention.
New batch of Russian peacekeepers fly to Sudan
On August 4th, Russia made its contribution to UNMIS with 10,000 peacekeeping troops deployed to Sudan. It’s not the first time Russia has assisted Sudan. The first unit of peacekeepers arrived in April 2006. The troops include 80 pilots and technical specialists. On August 8th, a second group of 40 servicemen will fly to Sudan. Their role in Sudan will include rescue operations.
Darfur force commander calls on Sudan to accept non-African troops
General Martin Luther Agwai called for the inclusion of non-African contingents among his UNAMID troops. In an article published in Al-Ahram, an Egyptian daily, the Nigerian general, wrote of the lack of proper equipment and international support. The article resembled the tied hands that General Romeo Dallaire experienced during his UNAMIR commission when he pled for logistical support and reinforcement and was refused by the Security Council. The difference is that at least in the case of Darfur, the Security Council has not reduced the troop size or waned as a result of the influence of countries, such as China, who oppose policies of intervention.
Along with citing the need for helicopters, Agwai noted that Resolution 1769 which authorized UNAMID did not exclude non-African countries from the force. Essentially, Agwai is addressing the insistence by Khartoum to not accept Western troops until all African options are drained. Agwai pointed out the limitations of the African countries that support UNAMID and requested outside assistance.
In his request, he asked that Khartoum show that it is doing everything it can to ease the crisis in Darfur and cites ways that they could prove that they are motivated toward sending a strong message of bringing peace to Darfur. He also noted that rebel groups do not represent the Darfurians who want peace. He requested that they show that they are serious about peace rather than prolonging a conflict that has included attacks on peacekeepers. His commitment to not allowing the recent deaths of peacekeepers go in vain shows the mark of a leader who is not willing to back down in a situation that has put UNAMID under the critical eye of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and the international community.
FACTBOX – Key excerpts from U.N. council resolution on Darfur
Last Thursday, as expected, the UN Security Council renewed its UNAMID peacekeeping mission. The Security Council also agreed to suspend pursuing the indictment of Sudan’s president. Points that are key in the approved resolution are as follows:
• Urges the Sudanese government to bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against civilians
• Notes the AU’s request that the Security Council use its power to suspend any indictment of al-Bashir
• Notes the intention to consider the potential developments after the ICC July 14th accusation of Bashir of masterminding the genocide in Darfur
• Reiterates concern for the decreasing security of humanitarian personnel
• Reiterates that a military solution is not an option
• Demands that all parties cease hostilities and commit to a long-term cease-fire
My Perspective:
This week will be one that the world will remember. Israeli President Shimon Peres posted a peace song on a website. Can you imagine if the President of Darfur this week put a peace song on his website? Apparently the Israeli President’s favorite theme is peace. The song is called “Ray of Hope.” This week, after reading articles about the renewal of the UNAMID, the needs of UNAMID General Agwai, non-African peacekeeper deployment, and Olympian Lomong, I thought it would be fair to consider what motivates world leaders. Apparently the theme of peace is Peres’ interest. What are the favorite themes of other world leaders? What makes them tick? Is it ‘outsmarting the other guy’? Is it self interest and gain at other people’s expense? Is it spite? Is it to invoke fear in others? Is it to divide people so that isolation prevails? Is it to be destructive? Is it to be constructive? Is it to get people to bridge their differences? Is it to let people know that life is what it is and that to believe in more is pointless? What motivates every day people, those who represent them or are in conflict?
Motivation is what Lopez Lomong has. He has transcended the tribal disputes of his homeland. He has chosen not to pick sides and to make his dream a reality. In Darfur and other conflict zones, people are forced into ways of thinking to prove what only prolongs conflict. Instead, Lomong chose sportsmanship and a belief in perseverance and accomplishment. He chose to escape a world of bitter rivalries. Lomong beat all odds and chose to become something amazing and make it to the Olympics. In his lifetime he has made it to Beijing and carries the American flag.
This commentary might be a little saccharine laden for a few. I’ll take that chance in a world where we see images of war in our media everyday and read stories of people who seem to be treading a road filled with obstacles to a good life put up in front of them or of their own making. What can change the motivations of those who are in the position to bring to citizens opportunities to succeed and fail and a life worth living? Or will leaders continue to falter and show their support in advancements in science and technology but still be left wondering how to use their abilities toward a peaceful coexistence?