The news from Darfur is bleak. Two years have passed since the beginning of the crisis, and attacks by all armed groups continue unabated. Over two million displaced persons now live in cramped camps risking rape, attack, and burglary whenever they venture out and rely on the international community to meet their needs for survival. "The Janjaweed attack us when we go out to gather firewood," a displaced woman from Ta'asha told Refugees International, "It is like we are in prison."
Humanitarian agencies warn that they are increasingly limited in their ability to assist the growing population, particularly along the Chad border. Most of the roads out of the capital of West Darfur have been declared "no-go" by the humanitarian community, effectively cutting off 500,000 people from much-needed assistance.
In order to fulfill the promises made to the people of Darfur, the international community must move immediately to support the poorly equipped African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), which provides the only modicum of security in this violent region. Despite attacks on its troops resulting in kidnapping and death, AMIS has struggled to protect civilians from further violence. Its mandate, strictly read, does not allow for proactive protection of civilians; nevertheless, in many instances AMIS has been successful in creating pockets of security for displaced persons simply through its presence. "While AMIS has problems, I can't imagine what it would be like here without them," a humanitarian worker told RI. Displaced women said, "When they come we are safe but when they are not here we don't know what we will do."
Despite attacks on their troops and many well-documented constraints (see the Refugees International report, "No Power to Protect"), AMIS has been able to act to protect the people of Darfur, including the humanitarian community. They have airlifted humanitarian workers in West Darfur to safety and their presence has created a haven for people recently displaced by fighting near Gereida, South Darfur, who have decided to camp around the AMIS base for security. African countries have enthusiastically responded to the call to send in female police officers to support the beleaguered women of Darfur. The AU Civilian Police have increased their "firewood patrols" around camps, accompanying women outside of the camps as they collect firewood and grass and providing "deterrence by presence." The humanitarian agencies in South Darfur have now requested that AMIS conduct 24-hour patrols around Kalma camp, challenging AMIS' strained capacities even further.
The AU must consolidate and expand its presence in Darfur if it is to be at all effective in extending this "protection by presence" to the ever increasing numbers of displaced people. AMIS commanders feel the pressure to fulfill their mandate, respond to the expectations of the humanitarian community, and provide protection to the displaced. Compounding their problems is a lack of funding and having to make do with what support it is given by an increasingly distant international community. RI witnessed Nigerian troops expressing concern that they didn't have enough resources and troops to provide effective 24-hour patrolling. Their commander replied, "Whether you have been given a pen knife or a stone, you must provide protection. As far as our political commanders are concerned, what we need is what we have been given."
AMIS troops need and deserve a lot more. The African Union, the United Nations, and several donor countries, including the United States, are presently taking part in a Joint Assessment Mission of AMIS' activities. This assessment is running from December 10-20, 2005 and is meant to inform donor decisions on support, mission expansion, and the renewal of the AMIS mandate on December 20. Whatever the outcome of the assessment mission, it is clear that for AMIS to function in the role it has been given, the international community must provide adequate funding to AMIS.
Support from the US is absolutely critical. The AU has reported a $150 million shortfall; to date the US Congress has not appropriated any funds for AMIS for fiscal year 2006. This week, as Congress decides on defense appropriations for fiscal year 2006, it has the opportunity to commit at least $50 million for AMIS. The US has funded the construction of AMIS bases which still need maintenance. More team sites are also needed to allow AMIS to expand its presence further out into the field. The AU Civilian Police desperately need vehicles, translators, and key communications equipment such as radios and satellite phones to conduct effective patrols. AMIS is finally getting organized enough to be able to provide real presence and security; it is imperative for the international community to give AMIS what it needs to meet this challenge and benefit the vulnerable people of Darfur.
Therefore Refugees International recommends that:
- The US Congress provide AMIS with at least $50 million, by including it in the final fiscal year 2006 defense appropriations bill.
- The US government bring pressure to bear on its allies to increase funding commitments to AMIS.
- AMIS request further assistance from NATO in the form of expert advisors and planners.
Advocates Sally Chin and Sarah Martin just returned from Darfur.
Contacts: Sally Chin & Sarah
Martin
ri@refugeesinternational.org or 202-828-0110