Global Involvement in Darfur

What has been said to be the “world’s greatest humanitarian crisis” (Wolfson) exists every day in Western Darfur, and many wonder why. In today’s world heavily influenced by democracy, it seems that a conflict on this scale would have received immediate attention. Unfortunately, the global response was meager at the start, and world awareness has been gradual. However, nearly four years later, help has arrived, and now plays a prominent role in ending this conflict. People across the globe are taking action and finding unique and effective ways to help this country in need.

One of the many responses to the conflict in Darfur, involves the process of divestment with several companies. In this process, a company will sell off its stocks or assets in order to withdraw from a country. As the Sudan Divestment Task Force explains it, “This approach, termed “targeted divestment”, helps to maximize impact on the Sudanese government, while minimizing potential harm to both innocent Sudanese civilians and investment returns” (Scarantino).

By throwing away stocks, companies will be forced to revoke their investments in Sudan. Over 130 companies have joined the growing stock-divestment campaign, and six US states, including New Jersey, Illinois, and Maine, have already divested completely. When universities, pension funds, and states stop investing in businesses that support the Sudanese government, the government will make their economy a top priority, thus diminishing the conflict. Because of the wide variety of companies and businesses in the world, this divestment process could provide relief on an international scale.

Assistance toward the conflict in western Sudan is also available from a more powerful source. Many countries, especially ones near this region, are determined to help. The African Union is a peacekeeping military force located in western Darfur that consists of troops from Rwanda, Nigeria, and other African countries. It is currently under the control of the United Nations and is the only external military force in Darfur. Since the conflict first began, these troops have grown immensely in numbers, and have progressed toward their one goal of obtaining peace.

The United Nations, and European Union have also had a strong role in helping the African Union in ending the conflict. The EU alone has donated over 300 million dollars to the African Peace Facility, while the UN has “passed a resolution unanimously that would accelerate planning for a UN peacekeeping force” (Wadhams) and donated money as well. As for the US government, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act was passed in May of 2006 and reinstated that the conflict is indeed genocide. Under this act the African Union will continue to expand, while those responsible for the genocide will be held accountable. In addition, this act will not limit or restrain humanitarian aid to Darfur (Loewenthal).

The US has already donated over 1 billion dollars so far in humanitarian aid, a large percentage going to necessities such as food and water.

Although the global involvement in the Darfur Conflict was minimal at the start, the slow steps that are taken every day are bringing Darfur one step closer to freedom. On a large scale, countries are donating millions of dollars and searching for the solutions, while several companies are risking their investments just to help. Even on a small scale, countless numbers of non-profit organizations across the globe have, and will continue to help in any way possible. With such a variety of people, groups, and good intentions in the world, hope for Darfur is just around the corner.