The Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland and GlobeScan Incorporated, a global public opinion research firm,  released results of public opinion polls conducted in the United States and Africa regarding intervention in Darfur. Results showed that both Africans and Americans support UN intervention in Darfur to stop the violence. Yet there remains a disconnect between public support and U.S. policymakers’ inaction.

Key findings of the studies included:

African opinion on Darfur

· 65% of Africans surveyed say that the UN should have a right to authorize force to stop severe human rights violations such as genocide.

· When asked which military body they preferred to have intervene, the United Nations ranked first (30%), closely followed by African Union troops (22%). Military intervention from any single “rich country” alone ranked fourth, behind no foreign intervention of any kind. (shows strong preference toward a multilateral body)

· 69% of Africans surveyed say they have a lot or some trust in the UN to operate in the best interests of their society. This is higher than the trust they place in other government institutions, including the African Union (63%), the national government (59%), the local government (51%) and tribal councils (45%).

American opinion on Darfur

· 61% of Americans surveyed say the UN should step in with military force to stop of the violence in Darfur. (Support increases significantly when called a genocide.)

· Support for UN intervention is strongly bipartisan, with 67% Republican support and 62% Democrat support.

· 54% of American surveyed support contributing US troops to a multilateral UN operation in Darfur. Again, support for this is strongly bipartisan.

· 71% of Americans surveyed support the U.S. or NATO supplying equipment and logistical support to the on the ground African Union forces.

A discussion with John Prendergast of ICG and Leonard Robinson of the Africa Society followed talking about next steps, policy asks, etc. A key recommendation was calling on the US government to commit a senior diplomat, or senior envoy, to Abuja to help with the peace negotiation process.

+ Click here to read official PIPA article

Last Updated December 15, 2005

LINKS
Links to other website highlighting polls and research on American public opinion on U.S. global engagement