Urgent Appeal to President Obama on the Crises in
Sudan:
Dear President Obama:
The situation in
Sudan is deteriorating and rapidly heading towards major disaster unless handled thoughtfully and swiftly. Although over 98% of Sudanese are black, ethnic/religious conflicts and injustices are major sources of tension across
Sudan. The crisis in
Darfur is mounting by the day with significant loss of lives and displacement of millions to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugee camps.
South Sudan is rife with ethnic conflicts and political tension. The South will likely secede into an independent state after the upcoming referendum in January 2011. Such separation caused by legitimate social and political injustices over decades further fueled by religious and ethnic discrimination could lead to a failed state in northern
Sudan, with devastating war that would engulf the entire country, and possibly spill over to the whole region. National and International terrorist groups would most likely exploit the situation to ignite a new war. Moreover, many African countries that share
Sudan’s ethnic and religious profile are likely to experience conflicts and wars of separation on similar basis. Therefore, we, the undersigned, Sudanese Americans and friends of
Sudan call for the following:
- A transformed, united, secular, and democratic
Sudan, where all citizens have equal rights irrespective of religion or ethnic background; based on the New Sudan vision set forth by the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, founder of the SPLM. Citizenship should, therefore, be the only determining factor that dictates these rights.
- A clear and declared U.S policy towards
Sudan, affirming its unity (under new basis) and preserving its territorial integrity. Moreover, we urge the
US government to encourage the Sudanese people to bridge their ethnic differences through dialogue and learning from the American civil rights movement.
- The immediate resolution of the
Darfur conflict through serious negotiations, and the return of IDPs and refugees to their original land and homes under a durable Comprehensive Political Settlement Agreement. We call for fair individual and collective compensations to those affected, and administering swift justice through fair trials of responsible parties guilty of any crimes committed in the region.
- Strongly support the call for a Constitutional Conference with participation of all political and civic groups to agree on a permanent constitution affirming justice and equality to all citizens of
Sudan. The constitution should institute the rule of law, good governance, full accountability, and equitable distribution of resources especially to underserved regions.
- Immediate and full implementation of the CPA leading to genuine democratic transformation in
Sudan including freedom of expression, release of political prisoners, and journalists. It is relevant here to state that we strongly denounce the recent killing of students in
Darfur, and the torture of physicians and journalists.
- Lifting the American Medical sanctions on
Sudan which have adversely impacted the poor, quality of health care, and inflamed anti American sentiments. We request including
Sudan in the
US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Finally, we would like to express our sincere appreciations to all efforts put forth to solve this complex issue and bring peace and stability to
Sudan and the region.
