Al-Bashir is conspiring against Sudan
Editorial, The Juba Post
September 14, 2006 — The government of President Bashir claims that there is a world-wide conspiracy against Sudan. But it becomes more and more clear that he and the powerful people supporting him are the ones conspiring against Sudan, while the world wants to help.
The African countries came to assist, but in their weakness they are not able to protect the innocent civilians of Darfur against [the policy of divide and rule] of the National Congress Party (NCP). The bombings have started again. Atrocities have continued against people who just asked for their portion of wealth while the ruling party continues to fill their own pockets.
Girls fetching water are raped because their fathers ask for health facilities for them. Mothers are abducted because their husbands like to be able to trade their goods without being disturbed by government supported insurgents.
In Khartoum people are wondering if the peace has any benefits. Displaced areas continue to be bulldozed, power cuts are increasing while the cost of fuel is outrageous for an oil-producing country. And in order to cover the expenses of the government for the benefit of a few, they raise the prices of food items affecting all and mostly the poorest and weakest.
Khartoum is the capital for northerners and southerners. The SPLM has to join the opposition against its own unity government. If it is not possible to achieve peace with the NCP, try at least to gain popular support outside the malfunctioning coalition. The first responsible ministers, governors and generals have to be replaced by people caring for all Sudanese and fulfilling the CPA. This should be done by persistent and non-violent action. Since all people have the right to protest and demonstrate, this should be the first feasible action.
Religious leaders need to speak up. Why leave the injustice to be combated by the Ummah party that ruined Sudan in the 80’s? Where are the cardinals, archbishops, and shaykhs to call for a halt on the human atrocities in Darfur? The church has the duty to demonstrate in a non-violent but brave and explicit way, let it organize the masses against the warring rulers.
Of course, people are reluctant to protest against the government, because they fear the tear gas and probably even bullets and torture by security people under the leadership of Nafi Ali Nafi. But what about bombs, bullets and torture in Darfur, killing thousands of innocent civilians? That is worth taking a risk. The propaganda machine accusing foreign powers has turned its bullets towards its own citizens. There is no excuse to stay idle. This is the time for protest: non-violent, persistent and brave.