Growing Worldwide Movement Demands International Intervention to End Genocide in Darfur

Interview with Ann-Louise Colgan, acting co-director of Africa Action, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

On Sept. 17, tens of thousands of people around the world, including about 30,000 in New York City, rallied to call for an end to the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. Observers estimate the death toll at between 250,000 and 500,000 people -- half from direct violence and half from illness or starvation resulting from the destruction of crops and being driven from their villages. Millions more are homeless and at risk.

These next few weeks will be critical in the struggle to save the people of Darfur. The mandate of the small African Union force that's been trying to protect Darfurians from the Janjaweed, the Arab militia supported by the Sudanese government, expires at the end of September. The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution in late August calling for a peacekeeping mission in Darfur, but it is very possible that the African Union troops will leave before any other peacekeepers arrive, thus increasing the likelihood of an even larger bloodbath.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Ann-Louise Colgan, acting co-executive director of Africa Action. The Washington, D.C.-based group has made Darfur one of its signature issues since the mass rapes and killings began there three years ago. She describes a recent protest at the White House organized by Africa Action and assesses the chances for ending the bloodshed in Darfur.

To get a copy of the Africa Action's report, "A Tale of Two Genocides," call (202) 546-7961 or visit their website at www.africaaction.org

Related links:

* Amnesty International at www.amnesty.org

* Human Rights Watch at www.hrw.org

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