Dale called me the other morning when he was working in the studio to make sure I heard a news story that would have definitely interested me. I saw it. So on Friday the International Criminal Court decided to charge Sudan's President, , with genocide. And today, Monday, July 14, 2008, he is formally charged and has an arrest warrant out for his life. He has been accused of "masterminding attempts to wipe out African tribes in Darfur with a campaign of murder, rape and deportation."
And he's the leader of their country.
I don't see how anyone there has a chance. There has been war off and on there for many, many years, and since 2003 a genocide has been ravaging the population of this beautiful African country. Millions of people have died. The UN officially pulled out of the region multiple times due to lack of safety and security for their peacekeepers. Internationally, countries have ordered their people to leave the region for their own safety. Many non-Sudanese have been killed also. The war has seeped into nearby Chad, where many Sudanese are seeking refuge. A food crisis and famine have ravaged the country. The children living there now, do not even know what peace is. Most do not have the oppertunity to recieve an education and many, too many, live in fear for their lives every day. This is not something that children should worry about, things like "where is our next meal coming from?", instead of "which toy do I want with my Happy Meal today?" or will my mother live through my little brother's birth, instead of "I hope I get a toy at my little sister's baby shower too." They are scared for their lives, instead of outside playing soccer in the front yard. This shouldn't be.
But now, maybe a little glimpse of hope for these future generations. The President is going to be arrested, the man in charge of all the terrible things that are happening to them everyday.
Maybe, just maybe, this will lead to peace. Sooner, rather than later, please.
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