Apr 22 2008
Social Studies
A) Introductory Overview of Sudan
I. Sudan Ambassador Letter to the Philippines (w/ Map of Sudan)
II. Issues in Sudan
III. Timeline/ Key events in Sudan
due April 14/15
To the humble citizens of the Philippines,
It is with great honor and privilege that I have been given such a fine opportunity to be an ambassador of goodwill representing the Republic of Sudan. Needless to say, the Philippines is well aware of the current issues that shackle our country at present. But I would like to take a chance to redirect your attention to positive outlooks of my country. I would like to impart to you the great regions, diversities, cultures, people, and rather the accomplishments that reins in all aspects of Sudan than the disappointing factors. I aver that my country is much more than a hopeless, warlike country.
At fault for the deaths of many and unstable, I believe my government is strong and determined at the most with a growing great leader, Lieutenant General Umar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir. Since 1989, the President Omar al-Bashir and the National Congress Party have controlled the Sudanese government in a military and authoritarian way. The country has been divided into twenty-six states which are subdivided into 133 districts. The executives, cabinets, and senior-level state officials are appointed by the president. However, the South is an autonomous region and the civil war is put to a stop. Nevertheless, the legal system in Sudan is based on English common law and Islamic law. The military regime sees to it that the country is very successful in managing the system. Established in northeastern Africa, Sudan is encompassed by its surrounding neighbors- Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Chad, Libya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. It happens to be the largest country in Africa. We are separated by the South Sudan, North Sudan, Eastern Front, Darfur, Nuba Mountains and the Blue Nile. A myriad of deserts, semi-deserts, low rainfall savannahs, high rainfall savannahs, flat plains, mountain ranges, rainforests, and mountain vegetarian regions encapsulates the land forms of Sudan. First of all, we are bestowed with the famous Nile River. The Nile River emanates from Egypt and traverses across the entire length of Sudan. It is indeed a cardinal source of livelihood and sustenance. The river enables us a prosperous system of irrigation and provides us hydro electricity with dams. The White and Blue Nile River meet at Khartoum which happens to be our nation’s capital. Nevertheless, Sudan is next to the Red Sea where Port Sudan is situated. It is a major industrial port where international trading takes place. It is not surprising to say that the world’s largest man made lake exists in Sudan- Lake Nub. Next, Sudan boasts of its largest swamp in the world which serves as a habitat for millions of species of animals, biodiversities, and living organisms. Furthermore, the sources of revenue in Sudan are primarily from agriculture, oil industries, and manufacturing, and mineral deposits. Rich mineral resources are in Sudan are: gold, silver, chromite, asbestos, manganese, gypsum, mica, zinc, iron, lead, uranium, copper, kaolin, cobalt, granite, nickel and tin. There are oil guzzling deserts that have boosted up the economy. Fraught with agriculture land, we are one of the chief producers of cotton. In the southern side where pristine forest lands are vast, there are a sylvan of trees. We are exhorted for mahogany wood, papyrus, tamarind, the baobab and acacia trees. These prodigal resources help the country grow with bounteous terrains. Sudan is a venue where different exchanging of commodities can flourish, business prospects, and where nature is at its best.
‘Bilad- al Sudan’ defines the land of the black people. Sudan is the home of 39 million Africans and Arabians. The ascendancy of the geographical locations coincides with each vicinity and its culture, religion, and its traditions. Diversity is a huge strength to our country. A quarter of the population are inhabitants of rural communities and remote regions. A quarter inhabits cities and a quarter are nomads roaming throughout the county. Therefore, many of them live as farmers. And with the industry of the Sudanese growing, some live as laborers and factory workers. We have a young population (45% are under the age of 15) and our population is growing. In the South, we are black Africans belonging to tribes like the Nilotic groups like the Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk. And in the North, there are ubiquitous Muslims and the pervasive Muslim religion. They are Arabians with Nubian roots living as devout Muslims. In the West are the Fur and there are the Beja living on the coasts of the Red Sea. Sudan has 597 tribes that speak over 400 different languages dialects. However, our dominant language is Arabic but because of our attainment in high education, we prefer to speak a secondary language, English. The presence of various races and tribes has made Sudan a multi-linguistic country. You would equate the Sudanese people as doting people and as dignified, patient, pious, laborious, and persistent. With high values including education and family, they are filled with alacrity to learn. United in color, principals, and ideals, we, the Sudanese are quite extraordinary people harboring a heart and a mind of pure feelings and thoughts.
As mentioned before, each division of land differs extremely with exquisite arrays of traditions, cultures, religions, clothing, and language. In the North, there are the Muslims who propagate themselves by consecrating themselves to the Islamic religion. The existence of the Islamic religion in Sudan has been the reason for the exotic Mosques and arts. On the other hand in the South, they prefer to follow ancient traditions of their ancestors and spend time herding cattle. In other words, a flock of natives, a rumble of traditions, and a throng of ethnicity seem to dominate the South. They embody their culture by dancing and following traditions which are their avocations. One of the famous music of Sudan is the ‘whirling dervishes’ where there is percussive rhythm and exotic dances. The scintillating colors of the culture are quite flamboyant as beauty is exemplified with elaborate body art. Exotic culture and tradition dominates the North, South, East, and West and the Sudanese continue to live by them. I’ve come to believe, dearest people of Philippines, that my nation has once started roughly, poorly. We are poor victims of mishaps and turmoil but we have risen amidst the chaos. Thus, it is developing in a method that is slow and gradual though the result is not what makes my country so beautiful. It is the process to what makes Sudan so beautiful, so beautiful in my eyes and I know many may not agree, not even see what I see. Look past to what you see in television. These opinions are what you need to hear though the sight you want to see, need to see, must see, is your choice to ever believe my words. Sudan has been given a reputation but in the shadows, a better figure of this country hides. I ask you to search for it.
Yours Sincerely,
Laudiq al Habdi
Ambassador of Sudan
Desertification Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas caused by climate change and human activities. Sudan is the most affected country by desertification in Africa. It poses as a serious problem to the Sudanese nation. In Sudan, the desert is continuing to move southwards at a rate of 5-6 km per year. When land is desertified, the land becomes barren because the soil is no longer able to be planted on. It simply becomes a desert. Because of the loss of arable land, the livelihoods of millions are affected. Poverty has grown and the Sudanese are deprived of food, shelter, and water. Agricultural production declines the food production leaving the Sudanese people to have a shortage of sustenance. Climate change, droughts, climate change, little rainfall, overgrazing, overcultivation, overuse of dry land, and the misuse of land are the causes desertification. The Sudanese had grown more crops and animals had grazed too much more than what the land could support. Many biodiversities have been lost due to desertification. In addition, water scarcity levels have increased because rivers and lakes have dried up into a desert. The Sahel dessert is a great example of desertification in Sudan.
Water Scarcity As a Middle Eastern nation, droughts occur periodically. Physically, northern Sudan consists of arid deserts. Water supply is scarce and the people that are most affected by it are the people living in rural areas of the desert and refugee camps. Total renewable water resources in the country are only 154 cu km (1997). The major water resource is the Nile River that flows from the north to the south. Unfortunately, the river does not reach to most of Sudan’s rural areas. These areas mostly rely on unpredictable rainfall. The scarce supply of water has affected the people in rural areas intensively. People have been reported to die of dehydration. This is also the case in refugee camps. Most of the camps rely on a water source far away from camp. Usually the young children will search for water as they are stronger and agile than the elders. Most of them travel far just to bring a small amount of water back. Not only that, there is a chance of them being killed by the militia and warlords.
llegal Immigrants Illegal trafficking of people is also an issue with Sudan. Men, women, and children are trafficked for force labor and sexual exploitation. It is believed that Sudan may be a transit and destination for Ethiopian women for forced labor, boys are sent to rich countries, particularly Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, for use of camel jockeys. Also reported small numbers of girls trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation in small brothels and internally displaced persons camps in Sudan. Some boys are also trafficked by militias and rebel groups to be used as child soldiers. This is issue is a big problem for Sudan as the trafficking might cause havoc to the country and the neighboring countries. Immigration disputes could cause a tension between the countries. As for the people, they might be scarred by the experience, especially the ones who are used for sexual exploitation. They are put to work against their will, and also their ability. They receive almost nothing in return and are left only to lick their own wounds.
1956
During 1881, the Sudanese rebelled against the British and the Egyptians, an action which eventually led to their independence, breaking free from Britain and Egypt. This event represents Sudan and its people completely and literally because this event completely shows an overview of the determination of the Sudanese who boldly broke away from the leadership of two countries. This event resembles the courage and bravery and even more so of the willpower of people and the freedom of their country.
1962
In the southern parts of Sudan wherein most Sudanese are Christian, divided from Arabs from the northern parts and Muslims, a civil war suddenly begins. This event somehow proves that race and religion has become somewhat of an important topic amongst the Sudanese people. It represents the difficulties within being part Arabian or African, being Muslim or Christian, this event shows that your origins and religion is something important.
1964
During this year, the Sudanese begin to rebel against their government, one that is involved with the military. Unhappy with the government, the Sudanese begin to revolt against them resulting to the government’s fall. A new and national government takes the lead, one that continues for five years. Once again, this event shows the determination of people and the method of expressing their anger against the government. This event also resembles of a new fresh beginning due to the new government which takes the lead after the old failed.
1972
The civil war, which lasted for ten years, ends at last when a peace treaty is firstly signed by the Sudanese of the northern part of Sudan represented by the new president of the military rebellion, Col. Jaafar Numeiri and the Sudanese of the southern part of Sudan represented by Major General Lagu who leads the Anya-Nya rebels. This eventually leads the southern part of Sudan to become a self-governing region. This event is one that represents the peace after ten long tiresome years of battle and embodies the importance of the civil war. In a way, it somehow embodies the calm ‘after’ the storm through one flick of a wrist. This also represents the kindness within Jaafar Numeiri who ends the war by signing a peace deal first.
1978
In the southern part of Sudan, a new resource is discovered-huge amounts of oil-which causes tension between the Sudanese of the southern and the northern parts of Sudan. This event truly shows the importance of one resource-oil-one that many are willing to fight for. It also represents how rich and wealthy Sudan truly comes to be at first with the reasonable amount of oil, a resource which can be traded with others.
1991
President Al-Bashir introduces Shaira, full Islamic law to all regions regardless of what religion. The southern Sudanese are furious and demand change.
1998
United States and Sudan is not in good terms. The embassy of Sudan is suspended and increases economical sanctions. The United States also allege that there were developments of chemical weapons in a pharmaceutical plant in Khartoum. US launch missile attack and plant is bombed.
2001
During March, thousands in Sudan are affected and at the peak of death when hunger and famine falls upon Sudan, almost killing millions. This event represents the beginning of the economic struggles and results of Sudan to which thousands are affected. Without the help of other countries, the results often lead to death of millions of the Sudanese. This is somewhat significant in my country’s history due to the relationship with the economic restraints and problems currently.
2003
During February, a new rebelling group named Sudan Liberation Army appears, originating from the western part of Sudan and revolts against the government due to the economic and political restraints within the region, Darfur, of Sudan. This event eventually leads to what is currently happening right now, the Darfur Crisis. This is when the Darfur Crisis begins and this event surely represents the beginning of a dark era, the cause of what is happening currently to Darfur in Sudan.
2003
During April, rebels of opposing groups suddenly attack and destroy thousands of planes in an airport in Darfur which eventually leads to Umar al-Bashir to fight against the rebellion and seek help from the militia fighters, the Janjawee, the group under the leadership of Ali Osman Mohamad Taha.This event is definitely the event which leads the Darfur Crisis to dig further into tragedy and calamity, this event resembles the beginning of the killing of thousands and the start of the genocide of the people of Darfur.
2004
During March, victims whom survived the attacks of the Janjaweed were raped and many were murdered. Some people of Darfur are imprisoned in local police stations where actually, they are held hostages and forced to starve for the Janjaweed.This event represents the pain and the result of the crisis in Sudan and is significant to the past of my country because it resembles the situation currently and boldly shows the relationship between the problems within the Darfur crisis today and back then, even shows no improvement between the past and the present.
2004
During September, it is reported at least ten thousand people are dying each month and one point two million people are being displaced, it is reported as well that the crisis is officially a genocide. I believe this event is significant to the history of my country because it is an event that somewhat resembles the ‘Gunshot heard around the world’ which signifies the symbol which is a definite mark of something. This event symbolizes as something that clearly announces one thing which everyone has been waiting for to hear. That this Darfur crisis is much of a genocide then a crisis.
2005
Peace is brought between south and north when southern rebels and north government sign Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement on 9 January 2005. The north grants Southern Sudan self government for six years and southern Sudan becomes a sovereign region. Sudan is also scheduled to have a referendum on independence on 2001. At the same time, Chad declares a state of war against Sudan for creating disorder and exporting war from Darfur to Chad. Chad has accused Sudan of being attacked in villages and towns with militant forces.
2007
Darfur genocide still continues to rein the Darfur west region in Sudan. War relations with Chad are resolved with signing the peace agreement. United Nations and OCHA give humanitarian aid to the victims of war and flooding in Sudan.
B) Current Events in SudanI. Summary and Personal ResponseII. Summary and Personal Response
III. Compare and Contrast
IV. Acrostic Poem
due April 24/25
Article 1: Outrage in Sudan over British Teacher click here to view article
a) summary
About 10,000 young Sudanese rallied through the streets of Khartoum in demand of the execution of a 45 year old British teacher, Gillian Gibbons. She was earlier found guilty of insulting Islam by naming a class teddy bear Mohammed, and was sentenced to 15 days in jail and deportation. The demonstrators, holding ceremonial swords gathered outside Khartoum’s ceremonial palace, later marching to Unity High School then to the British embassy. They chanted “Shame, shame on the U.K.” as they passed some British reporters who were later asked to leave. Apparently, Gibbon’s sentence did not satisfy some Islamic leaders. Abdul-Jalil al-Karuri, Islamic advisor the president, stated that he was not surprised by the reaction of the people given the crime committed. He himself expected more out of the sentence. By Sudanese law, Gibbons would have faced 40 lashes or a year in prison, but was saved by her diplomatic status.
b) personal response
I believe that the rallies and demonstrations are reasonable as this is a serious issue to the Muslims. Most fighting in the world today is caused by discriminating other people’s beliefs, and no one wants to be discriminated. It’s a natural reaction. But Gibbons though, could have been more rational in her decision to name the stuffed bear Mohammed. Living in a country where the majority of the population is Muslims, she must be more aware that her actions could affect the people around her. She might have overlooked the consequences of her actions when she took the decision, that the naming of the bear won’t be a serious issue. The Muslims however takes it as a disgrace to the religion. As a Muslim, I know that The Prophet Mohammed may not to be represented in any type of form. That is why you do not see pictures portraying Mohammed. The naming of the bear of course goes beyond religious restrictions. But in my opinion, the Sudanese sentence of 40 lashes is not a reasonable sentence as Gibbons is not a Muslim and might not be aware of the consequences. Instead, a year in prison is more logical.
c) questions
How has this issue affect Sudan-UK relations?
How has the view of the Sudanese Muslims change after this incident?
How has religious discrimination affect the life of the Muslims?
Article 2: U.N. approves Darfur peacekeeping force click here to view
a) summary
This article revolves around the approval of peacekeeping by the United Nations in Darfur of Sudan with the peacekeeping force leading the African Union and the refusal of the conclusion. The ambassador of Sudan, Omar Bashir, persistently refuses and opposes the idea of peacekeeping and the force leading the union. The ambassadors of the United Nations took the time to ‘persuade’ Omar into accepting the decision for the idea of peacekeeping in Sudan to take place. The question of whether taking action at its state is much too late or is not needed is raised. This article includes important details of the signing between the rebel group and the government of the Darfur Peace agreement and includes the perspectives of others upon the timing and the consent in comparison.
b) personal response
This article is a perfect and flawless piece of writing in my point of view especially since it includes certain details to the events in which are mentioned in the article such as the Darfur Peace agreement signing, the approval of the peacekeeping force. From my perspective, this article has a clear relationship to Sudan due to its topic revolving around of the resolution to the Darfur situation. Sudan, given a reputation for the genocide firstly, has been facing problems of the Darfur crisis whilst the article concerns of the United Nations resolving the situation and the problems left behind of the situation. The article’s topic on the United Nations and the resolution to peacekeeping and Darfur Peace agreement relates to the Darfur crisis in Sudan, one that can be resolved in the way that was mentioned in the article, through peacekeeping of the United Nations.
c) questions
Why do you think Omar Bashir refused and opposed the peacekeeping idea?
Why do you think it was simple for the United States State Department to gather the rebel group and the government of Sudan together for the signing of the Darfur Peace agreement?
Why do you think action has not been taken earlier on when the Darfur crisis began?
Article 3: New York Times: Scorched-Earth Strategy Returns to Darfur click here to read
The Economist: The worsening chaos of Darfur click here to read
a) venn-diagram
click to enlarge.
b) personal responses
My thoughts and visions are clouted when I envisage the sadness and violence that reigns in Sudan. This prolonged strife and conflict shackles this country’s development economically, humanely, and sociably. This is extreme outrage and it appears to be unacceptable. The government, the Janjaweed, and other Arab militias continue mass murder, perpetuating genocide. On the contrary, the rebels- SLA and JEM also continue to fight back. With war between two sides, the north and the south, the citizens of Sudan are the only victims. Dehumanization is the ultimate end to bringing a solution. Genocide is not the answer! It rages me that people are foolish enough to think in such matter. Constant warfare and killings have only resulted to about 300,000 citizens killed, thousands fleeing, and 2.5 millions displaced. It is such a tragedy. I am also taken aback by the downright immorality of the leaders. President Omar al-Bashir is not a good administrator of country and it seems to be blunt but, I perceive him to be an imbecile. Leaders are looked up to as staunch advocates of peace and service and having virtues like benevolence and compassion. But I could tell leaders in Sudan are only warlords drawn to war. In addition, I defy the Sudanese actions towards the UN and African Union aid workers and peacekeepers. With good intentions of aiding the suffering Darfurians, they come but they are instead killed and attacked. Apparently, this is unjustified treatment. If the genocide and war between the north and the south continue to dominate the country, grim future and morbid hope only awaits Sudan.
c) questions
What are the benefits of this genocide to the government? And at whose expenses do they do it?
Are there other means to solve the problem other than bombing, mass killing, raping, and destroying?
If the Janjaweed, Sudanese Army, Arab militias and the southern rebels like the SLA and JEM come to a point to compromise, what is the best way?
Why would this war exist between military groups when the citizens are rather suffering from it?
Does the suffering of people bring better outcome?
Article 4: BBC: China’s dilemma over Darfur click here to read
a) acrostic poem
Great number of arms for Sudan is supplied by China
Economic and military ties between Khartoum and Beijing are strong
Nothing can thwart the prolonged loss of human rights in the Darfur Genocide
Oil, money, and economy are of greater importance than the vital lives of many for China
China patronizes Sudan’s principals regarding people management or perhaps they are indifferent
International society appeals to China’s better judgment regarding trade with Sudan
Defeats and tarnishes the purpose of the Olympics- to bring peace throughout the world
Evil is condoned by China
One can envisage the numerous lives as much as 200,000 gone to waste
Lots of efforts are made to appease the international community and to abrogate the issue of Sudan
Yet athletes, international organizations, and countries will not withstand such atrocity
Mankind is sacrificed for massive exports but China argues it has no relation with Beijing Olympics
Protests and oppositions don’t seem to quell but China continues to show that it is concerned with Darfur
Intolerable rampant killings in Darfur continue
Cordial relationship in trading proliferates continuously and their economy grows
Stark reality of the existence of systematic dehumanization
b) personal responses
As an opportunist, China’s top priorities are to earn a profitable amount of money with oil trade with Sudan. Be it profitable or economy-boosting, “the end does not justify the means”. The nature of mankind strives to only gain for themselves, turning a blind eye and deaf ear to the plea and suffering of others. China exemplifies in this regard. It occurs to me that China is as wicked as Sudan due to its advocating mass murder and supplying Sudan with arms. Perhaps China is dispassionate and indifferent to care. Meanwhile, the international community can’t seem to subdue the ongoing genocide with constant criticism. China stands firm with its strong relationship with Sudan trading military supplies and money in exchange for a guzzling amount on oil. Then the Beijing Olympics is involved with the genocide in Darfur. Human right activists, Steven Spielberg, and Hollywood stars calls for boycotts to suppress the trading between China and Sudan but china defends its position that other nations should not involve Chinese affairs. It seems to me that China is being to greedy opting for friendly trading relations with Sudan and managing the Olympics as well. Furthermore, in my opinion to forestall more deaths, sanctions could be the means to end this slaughter. But this cannot be possible with China using its veto at the UN Security Council and its ongoing trade that is flourishing lucratively. The Beijing Olympics should definitely be boycotted until the trading between Sudan and China has fully come to a stop or nations should make a decision to stop the Olympics in Beijing.
c) questions
Is it ethical to associate the Darfur genocide with the Olympics in Beijing?
As the genocide’s main arm supplier, is China worthy of hosting the Olympics?
Is China taking into account the amount of deaths in Sudan?
Is there a big chance of China being taken away the job of holding the Olympics?
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