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Resource Conflict In The Sahara |
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The Darfur crisis has taken a massive toll in human lives. Such authorities as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum have declared Darfur a genocide. While the Sudanese government has denied any connection with the Janjaweed militias responsible for the genocide, strong evidence, including testimony from former militia members, points to the government’s involvement. So far, Western powers have failed to intervene effectively to stop the genocide. At present there are 7,000 African Union troops in Darfur. The UN has proposed sending in a force of 20,000 peacekeepers.
The situation in Darfur has many complex and interlocking causes. Clearly, racial animosity is one of the most important of them. But racial animosity rarely explodes into genocidal violence purely on its own – it is fuelled by manipulative leaders, by anger and the search for a scapegoat in times of crisis, or by pre-existing conflicts. In the case of Darfur, some experts believe that conflict over resources – land, food, and even oil – lies behind the genocide.
In a fascinating debate published on the BBC’s website, Egyptian journalist Gamal Nkrumah argues that resource conflict is not only at the heart of the genocide in Darfur, but also a potential problem throughout the region. Recent conflicts and racial tension in Chad, Niger, and Mauritania bolster Nkrumah’s argument. Nkrumah also believes – though his evidence is speculative – that there is oil in Darfur.
Oil is already producing major conflicts in African countries. Angola, Nigeria, and Chad have all suffered violence as a result of the struggle to control oil in these countries.
As environmental problems, particularly “desertification,†continue to worsen in Africa, the struggle for survival may become severe and bloody. Some environmental experts are afraid that future conflicts in Africa will stem from struggles over water.
Stopping and preventing genocide – anywhere – will require a concerted international effort. Sometimes it may require military force. But for concerned citizens, who (I hope) have the ability to pressure their governments and make themselves heard, knowledge and understanding are crucial tools. Looking at Darfur through the lens of resource conflict is one way we can understand better what is going on there.
For those who are interested in learning more about Darfur or helping to stop the genocide, please visit the following websites. There are many out there, and these are only two. Even a quick Google search can put you in touch with hundreds more.
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