Mike Levin: “For close to two decades, the nation of Sudan has been ravaged by a civil war that has claimed over 2 million lives.…”

“For close to two decades, the nation of Sudan has been ravaged by a civil war that has claimed over 2 million lives. This civil war, which is the longest running conflict in Africa, shows few signs of abating as many efforts to negotiate peace agreements or cease-fires have failed. What is particularly troubling is the fact that this conflict has shifted and spread to the Darfur region in Western Sudan. Historically, this civil war has pitted Northern Sudan, which is largely Muslim, against those in the south who are predominately Christian or animist. The conflict is not only religious in nature; while setting those who would force a program of Islamization upon the entire nation against unwitting supplicants, this conflict also draws upon disputes over oil, water rights, and the future shape and form that Sudan will take as a nation. Given the nature of this conflict, the recent announcement by the Government of Sudan that it would disarm the Janjaweed--militias supported by the government of Khartoum--is a welcome sign.”