It's been a crazy first few weeks at UMass, but we are back. Our kickoff meeting was last Tuesday night, followed by Emmanuel Jal's visit to campus on Wednesday night. Jal is a former child soldier and a refugee of the South Sudanese conflict. He is also a popular hip hop artist and the subject of a documentary about his return to Sudan years after he escaped. His visit to campus was a big success, and it was an inspiration to hear him speak.
Our meetings are scheduled for Tuesday nights at 7:30 in the Bluewall cafeteria in the UMass Amherst Campus Center. If you're interested you should stop by!
Friday, February 13, 2009
ICC CHARGES OMAR AL BASHIR
According to New York Times reports this week, the International Criminal Court judges have decided to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. This is the first time that the court has sought the arrest of a sitting judge.
This DOES NOT mean the conflict in Darfur is over - far from it. There is concern that Omar al-Bashir and those loyal to him may try to take out their anger over this situation on the people in Darfur. And even if al-Bashir were arrested and convicted, he is not the only person perpetrating these crimes. They would not be possible if he were the only one who supported his actions in Darfur.
But it is a step, and a significant one at that.
This DOES NOT mean the conflict in Darfur is over - far from it. There is concern that Omar al-Bashir and those loyal to him may try to take out their anger over this situation on the people in Darfur. And even if al-Bashir were arrested and convicted, he is not the only person perpetrating these crimes. They would not be possible if he were the only one who supported his actions in Darfur.
But it is a step, and a significant one at that.
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