While I was thrilled to see the symbolism of Obama's visit to Ghana, I was disappointed that he did not spend more time there and that he did not mention Darfur. With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, nuclear issues in Iran and North Korea and our economic woes, I am afraid Africa will be relegated to the back burner as it was by former presidents. I hope not.
Two news items out of Africa caught my attention:
Ten women were flogged in public in Khartoum for wearing trousers. This was in keeping with Sharia law which is enforced in Islamic areas of Sudan. However, the women were from southern Sudan which is Christian and animist. Under the peace brokered betwween the north and the south which ended the 20 year civil war, southerners were not supposed to be subject to Sharia. This does not bode well for the rumblings of a resumption of that horrific conflict. If the civil war breaks out again between northern and southern Sudan, it will make Darfur look like a squabble.
The second item has to do with Uganda officials saying they would arrest President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and turn him over to the ICC if he enters their country. This is huge since earlier this month African leaders criticized the ICC for indicting him on crimes against humanity in Darfur and said that they would not extradite him. I don't know what made Uganda take this stance, but I think it is good for Africa if leaders stop protecting all other African leaders no matter what they do in a show of solidarity. How about a show of solidarity for the African people who are the vicitms of these leaders?
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I will say this. The United States should not be responsible for the entire world.
ReplyDeleteThere have been so many things that just exploded receintly. Earlier, it looked like Israel and Palestine were going to fall apart/become even more violent than usual. Afganistan is in trouble. Iraq still is not quite on its feet. North Korea throws hissy fit after hissy fit. Plus Darfur. Plus Iran's elections. Plus human rights in China. The United States might be the most powerful country in the world, but it is not the only powerful country in the world.
I am not suggesting that we go into Sudan and protect women in trousers. However, I do think indivdual people should speak out when and where it is possible and I think NGOs can support private groups to help people struggling for rights within their own societies. And I am excited that Uganda has taken the position it has. This makes it an African issue, not an American issue so it does not look like neo-colonialism.
ReplyDeleteHow do you choose out of all the issues you cited? Which ones deserve our attention? Whose life is worth our action?