The conflict in Darfur began in 2003 when two non-Arab rebel groups took up arms against the Arab-dominated Sudanese government to protest mistreatment. This led the government to carry out aerial bombings and arm Arab militias called the Janjaweed to attack non-Arab villages. Over 200,000 people have been killed so far and over 1.5 million displaced from their homes as the government and Janjaweed use scorched earth tactics, causing starvation, disease and violence. The UN and US provide most of the humanitarian aid but more action is still needed to address the ongoing crisis.

1. Conflict in Darfur By: Hilary Cutler

2. The Start of a Genocide Sudan gained independence from England in 1956 Darfur is a region of Sudan that makes up 1/7 of the population and 1/5 of the land mass Islamic-related government has since dominated the Sudanese government The country was involved in two civil wars during the 20 th century

3. The Roots of Terror After the civil wars a new conflict broke out Stress between Arabs and Non-Arabs was at an all time high due to severe draught, food shortages and overpopulation Non-Arabs had to migrate into Arab tribal lands due to the lack of water in their tribal regions This angered many Arabs and some lashed out against the Non-Arab migrants

4. In 2003, two non-Arab groups, the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement, took up arms against the Sudanese government The groups claimed they were mistreated by the Arab regime in Khartoum

5. Fighting Begins The Sudanese Government took a stance by making aerial bombings along with ground attacks led by Arab Militia (Janjaweed) On foot, Janjaweed kills all the men, captures the women, and steals anything valuable

6. The playing field was now ready for fighting: Arab groups (Sudanese Government + Janjaweed) vs. Non- Arab groups (SLA + JEM) Although the two rival groups are split into Arab vs. Non- Arab the war is seen to be more tribal and ethnic rather than religious

7. Violence Continues The Sudanese Government denies supporting Janjaweed Although, it is believed that the Sudanese Government send them both money and weapons to use against their own citizens The Sudanese Government and Janjaweed adopted “Scorched Earth” tactics to affect as many people as possible Deaths are not only caused by fighting but by starvation, disease, and exhaustion It is reported that sexual violence has risen

8. As of April 22, 2008 the U.N estimates the death toll to be 200,000 and growing 1.56 million people have left their homes to avoid the violence 2,279,266 people have been affected Statistics

9. Aid to the Displaced 200,000 Darfurians are living in refugee camps in Chad The UN must clothe, feed, and care for all refugees with limited monetary support The displaced civilians and volunteers must also fight against mother nature since Darfur is suffering with desertification (land that was previously fertile turns into desert)

10. Help from the US US provides 85% of aid for the World Food Program in Darfur more than $1.3 billion US dollars used to fund humanitarian, reconstruction, and peacekeeping needs in both Darfur and other regions in Sudan Many organizations and foundations have been formed in the US to support Darfur

11. Ways You Can Help Join a local Darfur group Lobby Congress to push them into taking more action Donate to Darfur charities or educational groups to spread the word on the conflict Sign petitions to make a change Click here for more ideas