Darfur Rally Sheds Light on Genocide Issue

On Oct. 6 more than 5,000 concerned citizens and students gathered to speak out against the governmental genocide that has occurred since 2003 in Darfur, Sudan.

At least 50 state colleges and universities were invited to attend a public rally held by the Darfur Action Group of South Carolina (DAGSC). Dr. Andrew Sorenson, president of USC, challenged all student bodies to attend.

Guest speakers included Big Kenny from Big and Rich; Rep. Jim Clyburn; Mohamad Yahya and Mary Komy, both of whom are refugees from Darfur. Chilling truths and impassioned pleas echoed in the speeches. An informational tent was set up to provide literature and volunteer opportunities. A petition was passed around that will be sent to Congress asking for support. Darfur is located in Western Sudan, the largest country in Africa. Conflict arose in February 2003 when African rebels attacked several governmental institutions because they felt discriminated against. In response, the government ordered Arab militias or Janjaweeds ("devils on horseback" in Arabic) to kill the rebels. They burned villages, shot men, gang-raped women and clubbed children to death. This is what we know as genocide.

Dr. Elaine Lacy, professor of history, explained that genocide is the "irrational hatred of ethnic or cultural groups that leads to the eradication of that specific group." Genocide is not regionally specific and has occurred in Asia, Europe, Russia, and Africa.

On top of simply killing the rebels, the Sudanese government has deprived them of food and water in hopes of further intimidation. According to the DAGSC, over 400,000 people have died and over 3 million are at refugee camps, struggling to survive. Each day, these numbers get larger. Minimal protection is provided by the 7,000 African Union troops who are unable to use their weapons.

For many, memories of the crisis in Ruwanda and the United States' denial of the genocides occurring there come forth. Many have posed the question: How long until something is done to help stop the genocide in Darfur?

A collective effort by a number of countries to send troops and aid has been met with resistance. Lacy said there is a "rising chorus" of individuals who are willing to take a stand against "something that is not only horrendous, but morally wrong."

She said public pressure is being applied to the South African government by the United States and other countries to withdraw stocks in South African companies if the violence continues.

Dr. Christine Wernet, professor of sociology, said the rally was a "bigger step [for citizens] to get more involved and to become aware of the crisis."

Despite the rally that occurred earlier this month, there are still opportunities open for participation.

An organization on campus, Africa Calling (USCA), will be starting soon, to help those affected by genocide in Darfur. Dr. Girma Negash, professor of political science and sponsor of the organization, said there will be panels and other activities in the near future.

To learn more about Darfur, search online, talk to those involved, "inform yourself," and "determine the degree of activism you are willing to take on," says Negash.