European Union and Aid organizations fear collapse of Darfur Peace Agreement

The situation in Darfur has actually worsened since the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) was signed 10 weeks ago. The European Union, along with international aid organizations, has stated that Darfur is “on the brink of disaster.” 

Not only is humanitarian aid falling short of what was promised, the 7,000 African Union troops are greatly under-funded and are incapable of mustering any semblance of order. A joint statement released by humanitarian aid organizations, including CARE and Oxfam, asserted that $300 million was needed for the AU troops to be operational until the end of the year. 

The fragile situation, however, does not hinge on funding alone. The DPA, which was signed by only one of the three rebel groups, has been met with great skepticism by the general population. Such skepticism stems from the lack of implementation of the DPA provisions, specifically that deadlines have passed without any compliance or repercussions. According to UN Special Representative for Sudan Jan Pronk, there is “a significant risk that the Darfur peace agreement will collapse.” Without a strong base of support among Darfurians for the peace agreement, this may be a disastrous reality.

The EU has recently called for stronger support and compliance with the DPA. The U.S., along with the EU, has also pledged nearly half of $300 million required to fund the AU mission until the end of the year.  Currently there is also a Senate Resolution urging the president to appoint a special envoy to Darfur. The upcoming Arab League meeting on Darfur must also provide financial support to the AU mission, as well as echo similar support for the DPA. The coming days are critical to the crisis in Darfur, and strong words must be followed by strong action. 

+ DARFUR RESOURCE CENTER


Updated July 18, 2006