The government of Darfur is accused of violently bombing villages and water sources in the North of the state using aircraft.
(Image courtesy Ifham Darfur)
Eyewitnesses told a radio station that government planes came for 3 consecutive days and attacked the villages of Deka, Baen, Keda Jouq, and Sanqiri. Another shocking and important detail to mention is that government troops were on the ground (in tanks and other apparatus) and raped at least 30 women and children.
It appears that conscripting the Janjaweed is no longer en vogue for the Sudanese government to conduct attacks in Darfur. After many documentaries and lots of international media attention on that attack style, I think they’re now looking for a method that’s more efficient and leaves behind less traces of its presence (air attacks, mainly).
I think this policy, from the government’s point of view, is more safe because it is basically pitting the word of the citizens and witnesses against the government’s word. If this is magnified to a larger scope, it preys on the fear of other states in accusing the Sudanese government of genocide. By involving itself directly, the Sudanese government’s new approach just reminds me of the classic playground bully. He shoves and harms the chosen victim, but if any other classmate calls him on his violation, we hear “Wanna make somethin’ of it?!” as he cracks his knuckles.
And since 2003, indeed nobody has wanted to make somethin’ of it, to the continued loss of life and human rights violations of those affected.
(Image courtesy Ifham Darfur)
Eyewitnesses told a radio station that government planes came for 3 consecutive days and attacked the villages of Deka, Baen, Keda Jouq, and Sanqiri. Another shocking and important detail to mention is that government troops were on the ground (in tanks and other apparatus) and raped at least 30 women and children.
It appears that conscripting the Janjaweed is no longer en vogue for the Sudanese government to conduct attacks in Darfur. After many documentaries and lots of international media attention on that attack style, I think they’re now looking for a method that’s more efficient and leaves behind less traces of its presence (air attacks, mainly).
I think this policy, from the government’s point of view, is more safe because it is basically pitting the word of the citizens and witnesses against the government’s word. If this is magnified to a larger scope, it preys on the fear of other states in accusing the Sudanese government of genocide. By involving itself directly, the Sudanese government’s new approach just reminds me of the classic playground bully. He shoves and harms the chosen victim, but if any other classmate calls him on his violation, we hear “Wanna make somethin’ of it?!” as he cracks his knuckles.
And since 2003, indeed nobody has wanted to make somethin’ of it, to the continued loss of life and human rights violations of those affected.
No comments:
Post a Comment