Darfur Conflict

The conflict in Sudan is an ongoing conflict. It began on February 26, 2003. The conflict began in Darfur in western Sudan. Many people would call the conflict in Sudan genocide, while the UN has failed to recognize it as genocide.

The perpetrators of the genocide in Sudan are the "Janjaweed". The two tribes currently noted as Janjaweed are the Abbola and the Baggora. The Abbola and the Baggora are more commonly referred to as the Janjaweed, for its meaning "The devils on horseback." The Janjaweed are a Muslim militia group who are known for their rides into villages on horses and camels, slaughtering men, raping women and stealing whatever they can find. Many women have reported being abducted by the Janjaweed and held as sex slaves for more than a week before being released.

There are several groups of victims in this genocide. The main group is the Furs who are black Muslims that farm for a living. To date this group has had the most members killed, with 500,000 people dead. Another group being targeted for killing is the Zaghwa. The Zaghwa are a tribe that herds domestic animals and they are Islamic. The last tribe being targeted is the Masalit, another farming tribe. To date over 250,000, Masalit have been killed.

The historical setting of the genocide, goes back to

There are several motives of the perpetrators. The area of Sudan is known for its farming and cultivation. In 2003, two local rebel groups the Justice and Equality movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement accused the government of intentionally limiting the non-Arbas. The SLM, is generally associated with the Fur and Masalit, as well as the Zaghawa. These claims lead other rebel militia groups, to go ahead and attack government facilities. Prior to 2003, attacks had erupted in Darfur, as rebels had already attacked police stations, army outposts and military convoys, and the government had engaged in a massive air and land assault on the rebels. The main reason for the attack, as seen in any genocide is racial tensions and differences amongst the Muslim, and Muslim blacks in Sudan.

Though the genocide in Darfur is still a current event in 21st century, the outcome is clear; thousands of people have been killed, and at this rate there will be many more. Accurate numbers of dead have been difficult to estimate, partly because of the uncooperative Sudanese government. The government has made it extremely difficult for journalists attempting to cover the conflict. The Sudanese government said that a mere 9,000 people have been killed. While contrastingly the United Nations believes that an astounding 400,000 people have been killed. No matter the differences in claims, thousands have died and over 2.5 million people have been displaced.