Refugee from Darfur in Sam Ouandja | Nicolas Rost | UNHCR

Darfur relief aid continues; government begins peace talks

Sudan's government and the rebel movement are to begin talks this week in Qatar. The summit is a bid to revive the peace process in Darfur, reports MNN.

Although representatives of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) will attend, none of Darfur's numerous other rebel groups will be represented, including factions of the Sudan Liberation Movement.

The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee has been working closely with the Darfur ministry, says Ken Little. He's also seen attempts to negotiate ceasefires and peace deals end sporadically and piecemeal.

When asked if he thought these talks would be successful, he said, "[The] frank response is, 'I really hope it works, but I'm not very hopeful.' If the peace talks are being revived, that might be an indication that international pressure is helping."

The scheduled meetings come closely on the heels of renewed fighting in Darfur between JEM and government troops. Just last week, government forces retook the town of Muhajeriya in South Darfur, following several days of bombing. The government has also continued bombing raids in other parts of Darfur, something expected to be addressed in Qatar.

With camps for displaced persons in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region bursting at the seams, it is more vital than ever to reach a settlement to a conflict that has already killed over 200,000 people and uprooted 2.5 million more.

The CRWRC is among six relief groups in Darfur called the 'Global Relief Alliance.' Those organizations include World Relief, World Concern, Food for the Hungry, MAP International, and North West Medical Teams International. Support is focused on the most vulnerable families in three districts of Western Darfur, namely Um Tagouk, Azirni and Sanidadi.

Little says in light of the instability of the region, "We're very fortunate in the last couple of months that the insecurity hasn't impacted our programming. We're able to continue our work with supplemental feeding centers, clinics and food security initiatives in that region."

Because of the security issues, ministry is low key. Keep praying that the Gospel seeds sown take root. "We're assisting those displaced by the violence, but also the community that's hosting them," explains Little. Caring for everyone who's been affected is an open door for the hope of Christ. Little says, "Because we're doing both, there's a very good reception to our intervention. The folks do know we're Christian, and I would guess that 100% of the folks we're serving are Muslim."

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TAGS: Sudan Darfur rebel movement peace talks Christian Reformed World Relief Committee

[02/11/2009]

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