Not My Turn to Die

By Savo Heleta
Published in IslamOnline.net
December 24, 2008 

What was once a rebellion by two rebel movements and the government’s counter-insurgency in Darfur has become a "free-for-all" conflict in 2008. Analysts say that many new rebel factions are nothing but armed gangs that are terrorizing civilians and humanitarian workers alongside the pro-government militias known as the Janjaweed. 

Jean-Marie Guehenno, the UN peacekeeping chief, argues that the Darfur conflict has "grown infinitely more complex [over the years], and prospects for peace seem more remote." He claims that the parties in the conflict are not "demonstrating the political will to abandon the military option, engage in negotiations, or fully cooperate with the UNAMID and the humanitarian community."

The Qatar talks, planned for the beginning of 2009 and backed by the international community, are the only promising Darfur peace process on the horizon. If planned properly, attended by the parties, and given enough time to solve the burning issues, the talks may eventually yield positive results. The alternative is too bleak to even contemplate.

Given the complexity of the conflict and the number of parties involved, Darfur may need a miracle in 2009—a much needed miracle—in order to end the deep-rooted and protracted conflict and bring long-lasting peace.

Click here to read the entire article