Rebel absent as Sudan holds Darfur peace meeting

Danielle Jones
10.17.08

This Thursday in Khartoum, Sudan president Omar Al-Bashir called for a conference to discuss the conflict arising in Darfur. The conference called for peace among the rebelling parties of the region, in order to come to a resolution. Many of these Western rebel groups believe that Al-Bashir is using this conference as a way to avoid his prosecution and arrest in International Court. Al-Bashir is accused of having been “orchestrating” genocide happening in Darfur. The judges have stated that they have given Al-Bashir’s prosecutor a month in which he was suppose to gather evidence to plead the case. However, the convention brought forth my Al-Bashir brought together numerous political and civil groups, but no rebel groups. Al-Bashir has said that his goal is to commit 250 million dollars to funds for development in the region. Civil and political leaders believe that if this issue is true, that people will put an effort into changing the conflict that has been going on in Darfur.
The current problem is Darfur is very serious, so any attempt to come to a resolution should be looked into I believe. However, I can understand the hesitation coming from the rebels, as well as others in this region. The fact that president Al-Bashir could possibly be involved in the catastrophic genocide that has been taking place is very scary, and would quite frankly leave anyone hesitant in being able to trust his decisions and choice of action. If people believe that Al-Bashir’s ideas are legit, they will definitely be more willing to put the effort into changing and resolving the problems that are happening. If people don’t believe there will be a substantive change, they will not be eager to promote the change needed.

http://www.newsobserver.com/1635/story/1257794.html