ON 10 July 2010, the day of the Post Referendum Arrangement Talk held in Sudan's capital Khartoum, northern and southern Sudanese leaders said they would consider forming a confederation or a common market if southerners chose to declare independence in a referendum which is scheduled for January 9, 2011. Here below are some photos showing northern and southern Sudanese cheering together during the opening session of the talk.Also, noted below is news of a southern Sudan youth forum criticising Sudan's oil minister, Lual Deng, for describing the late Dr John Garang as a unionist; plus a copy of Asharq Al-Awsat's recent "Q & A with Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Dr Lual Deng" authored by Mohammad Ali Salih; followed by a report from Sudan Tribune and some further reading including today's Quote of the Day re the late Dr Garang's visit to Egypt 'where he convinced President Hussni Mubarak and his Government that he was a unionist, not a separatist'. Incidentally, note the following excerpt from a press digest 2/6/2005 published at the website of Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs re Mubarak, Garang discuss Khartoum-SPLM peace pact 1/6/2005:"... Following talks with President Mubarak, Mr. Garang said he discussed with the Egyptian leader the latest developments of the peace process in Sudan and formulating the national constitution, especially that the National Commission for the Revision of the Constitution (NCRC) was holding its meeting in the southern Sudanese town of Rumbek."I presented to President Mubarak a detailed explanation on the progress achieved so far in carrying out the peace pact," he said, noting that everything is going very well."I hope that by mid-June we could finalise drafting the interim constitution so as to refer it to the parliaments in the north and the south for ratification," Garang told reporters.Following this step, he continued, a national unity government will be formed by July 9.Garang announced that the team drawing up an interim constitution has agreed that the traditional Islamic phrase "Bismallah al-Rahman al-Rahim" or "In the name of God, the Gracious, the Most Merciful" will appear in the text for the Muslim north but not for the non-Muslim south to bridge a sensitive religious divide."That has been resolved," Garang said, adding that the agreement was based on principles laid down in part of the peace deal that was agreed in Machakos, Kenya, that allows for shari'a to be imposed in the north and secular system in the south," he told reporters."We are working in order not to divide the Sudan. We want unity in diversity," he said when asked whether the compromise was a sign the country was heading towards division.The Khartoum-SPLM peace pact involves splitting state and religion so sharia law would not be applied in the south.The SPLM leader noted that he discussed with President Mubarak the need to reach comprehensive peace in Sudan that includes the province of Darfur as well as eastern Sudan."I also asked President Mubarak for what Egypt could offer to contribute to resolving the remaining problems, especially regarding the National Democratic Alliance given the fact that Egypt is a mediator between Khartoum government and the alliance," Garang said.Garang called Darfur a tragic problem where citizens suffer a lot. "We really need to conclude a fair and comprehensive peace pact like that of the south," he noted. ..."- - -Southern Youth Forum Criticizes Statement By Oil MinisterReport from SRS - Sudan Radio Service - Wednesday, 01 September 2010(Juba) – The South Sudan Youth Forum for Referendum has criticized a statement by the federal oil minister.Minister Lual Deng was quoted by the Sudan Tribune on Sunday as saying that unity is the best option for the people of southern Sudan. He added that the late Dr. John Garang had always been in favor of unity.The Secretary-General of South Sudan Youth for Referendum, David Amuor spoke to SRS on Tuesday in Juba.[David Amuor]: “We condemn Lual Deng Acuek for describing our late hero Dr John Garang to have been a unionist. That is totally a lie. Lual Deng Acuek does not represent the views of southern Sudanese as he mentioned. He has no right to express these views since he is not a member of either the SPLM or the National Congress Party.”David Amuor was speaking to SRS on Tuesday in Juba.- - -Q & A with Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Lual DengFrom Asharq Al-Awsat - Monday, 30 August 2010By Mohammad Ali Salih In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Washington, Dr. Lual Achuil Deng, the new Sudanese Minister of Petroleum, and the first Southerner to be appointed in this position, after years of disputes between Northern and Southern Sudanese over the production of oil wells that are mostly in the South, said he has started “an era of transparency.”He added: “We will put everything on the Internet, for the Southerners, the Northerners, and the rest of the world to verify. We will put up daily production figures and daily revenue figures.”Describing himself as a “long-standing unionist,” he acknowledged that the amount of time left before the scheduled referendum in the South, in January 2011, might not be enough to convince Southerners not to vote for Southern secession. But, he stressed: “I am an optimistic person.”Deng (61 years old), was born in Bor, in Jonglei State in Southern Sudan. He holds two degrees from American universities: an M.A. in Economics from the University of Iowa, and PhD in Economics from University of Wisconsin. In Iowa, his colleague and close friend was John Garang, who studied there and obtained a PhD in Economics. Later, Garang established and led Sudan’s People Liberation Movement (SPLM), Sudan’s Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), and fought in the struggle that culminated in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended half a century of civil war between Southern rebels and the Sudanese army.Deng, after completing his PhD, joined the World Bank, then the African Development Bank, and later rejoined his friend Garang as an economic consultant, and participated in the talks that culminated in the CPA. When the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) was established, in accordance with the CPA, Deng became Minister of Finance in Juba. Later, he moved to Khartoum to join the Government of National Unity (GONU) as State Minister of Finance.After the national elections in April 2010, and the reshuffling of the National Government, Deng was appointed Minister of Petroleum, the first Southerner to take the post.Last week, he visited the US, for the first time in his new position.Q: What is the purpose of your visit to the US and what were the results of your discussions with American officials?A: I am visiting the US as a private person. I did not meet with any American officials.Q: Do you believe that the US officials support the continuation of Sudan as a united country, or prefer that the Southerners vote for separation?A: I haven’t participated in any discussion with American officials on this subject. Of course, the US has repeatedly declared its support for the full implementation of the CPA, including the scheduled referendum in January; and also its strong desire that the Southerners vote freely and fairly for either unity or separation. I understand this position and strongly support it. But during private talks, it seemed that the Americans would prefer the continuation of a united Sudan. I believe that is the case because, according to their interpretation of American national security and strategic interests, a separate South would not be a viable state. It would face many internal problems; and would endanger the unity and stability of neighboring countries; in the overall region of the Horn of Africa, to the east of Sudan, and the region of Equatorial Africa, to the south of Sudan.Q: Do you think General Scott Grasion, President Obama’s special envoy to Sudan, supports Sudan’s unity or the secession of the South?A: As I said, I didn’t have any official discussions with any American official on this subject, but my [previous] private talks with General Grasion led me to believe that he was in favour of unity.Q: How about President Obama?A: I have never met him. But, I believe he also prefers a united Sudan. If for no other reason, because instability in the South, the North, and in the wider region, would not serve US interests. Now, you work and live in Washington, and you know the complications surrounding US foreign policy. As for the US policy towards Sudan, you know there are different lobbying groups that, at least during the last few years, have played important roles. I don’t want to name names, but you know the organizations and the lobbying forces that prefer Southern Sudan’s separation. You and I know this is how US foreign and domestic policies are formulated. I would say: let us make use of the freedom of the American system and present our views as strongly as we can.Q: You are a leader in the SPLM; do you support the separation of the South or a united Sudan?A: I am indebted to John Garang, my colleague, friend, boss and teacher. I was initially in favour of separation, but he convinced me that it is in Southern, let alone Northern, interests to keep Sudan united. Garang used to say: “Look at the Americans. They fought each other and their country was almost divided into two or more [countries] during the 19th Century. But, they succeeded in ending the Civil War, and agreed to peacefully solve their problems and maintain a united country. Now, the Americans are a shining example for the whole world in terms of plurality, and racial and religious tolerance.”I also support Sudan’s unity because I have been a strong believer in Pan-Africanism, as pioneered by Kwami Nkruma, Ghana’s first president, and in Negritude, as pioneered by Leopold Senghor, Senegal’s first president. Therefore, wouldn’t it be logical that I also support the unity of Sudan?Q: What do you say to your fellow Southern Sudanese who support the separation of the South?A: What I just told you. On one side for me, it is a matter of principle, that unity has more advantages than separation. In other words, one hand can’t clap, but two can.On the other side, there are tangible advantages as far as the Southerners are concerned. Take my example. I used to be a member of the Southern government, and am now a member of the National government. Not many Northern Sudanese have this advantage. Right now, the Southerners rule themselves and share in ruling the North at the same time. What else do we, the Southerners, want?Q: What do you say to the many Southern Sudanese in the US who clearly support the separation of the South?A: First, I believe those who live in the US, this free, democratic and highly developed country should learn a lesson or two and try to apply some of the American achievements in Sudan.Secondly, we all might complain about the conditions in Sudan, but we know that once we leave Sudan and live in foreign countries, we tend to miss our native country, and tend to appreciate it despite all its problems.Thirdly, as I said, I was in favour of separation, but became older and wiser and changed my mind. I hope this young generation of Southerners in the US will grow up and become wise. In the meantime, I would say to them: “Don’t sit here and make judgments about the far away Sudan. Don’t talk about the possibility of the renewal of war if you are not ready to go there and fight. Don’t enjoy the air-conditioning here and think you can express the feelings of your brothers and sisters in the forests.”Q: Some Southerners severely criticize, and complain about, the policies of the National Congress Party (NCP, led by President al-Bashir and the ruling party of Sudan); and say that its Islamic Civilization Project (ICP) is the reason they support separation?A: I don’t want to defend al-Bashir and the ICP because they are able to defend themselves. But I want to defend the Sudan, its unity, heritage, hopes and aspirations. The Sudan, throughout centuries, has seen rulers come and go, and projects appearing and disappearing.Q: Some of your Southern colleagues say you have abandoned “Sudan Jadeed” (New Sudan) slogan that was pioneered by John Garang?A: John Garang raised the “Sudan Jadeed” slogan. Also, he raised “Sudan Wahid” (One Sudan) slogan.Also, how can the Southerners establish a new Sudan, if they want to leave Sudan itself?Furthermore, I strongly believe that the new Sudan is simply the old Sudan. I believe that Kush civilization (before Islam and Arabism) was a pure African civilization. I will tell you a story: recently, my daughter, who was born in the US and is a US citizen, visited Merowe in northern Sudan and saw the pyramids that were built by early Sudanese civilizations. She came back and told me that I was right in opposing Southern separation, and in saying the new Sudan is indeed the old Sudan.So, if the North is indeed the South [i.e. a united Sudan], why would the Southerners want to leave it to the Northerners [laughs]?Q: There is a leader in the SPLM who is clearly against Southern separation, Pagan Amum, SPLM Secretary General. Yet in an interview with “Asharq Alawsat’ two months ago, he said the SPLM shouldn’t declare whether it supported unity or separation, and should let the Southerners decide for themselves?A: First of all, Amum, sometimes, says things that reflect only his personal views. Secondly, why are we leaders if we do not want to lead? Thirdly, Silva Kiir, Vice President of Sudan, President of the GOSS and of SPLM, has said many times that he supports a united Sudan.Q: Some Southerners accuse President al-Bashir’s government of cheating the South out of oil revenues, since most of the oil wells are in the South.A: On my first day as Minister of Petroleum, I declared my policy of transparency in Sudan's oil sector, and promised that I would start publishing figures regarding the daily oil output on the Minsitry’s website, on the Internet.I strongly believe that it is this lack of transparency, or the perceived lack of transparency, that has fuelled mistrust between partners. We want to enhance trust between the North and South.Q: Some Southerners say it is not enough that you declare transparency. You should compensate the South for the al-Bashir government’s deception since the CPA in 2005.A: Like I said, I will publish daily production figures. Also, I will conduct a full independent audit regarding the oil industry since 2005, to prevent future conflict over oil.I hope to comfort all the Sudanese by stating that there will now be transparency, even if it did not exist in the past.The audit will basically look at oil production since 2005 - it will be conducted by an independent firm. Our preference is to accelerate the process so that the results are made available before the referendum.Q: The international non-governmental organization Global Witness said last year that there were inconsistencies on the part of the Sudan government, regarding the exact figures of oil production and revenues. Furthermore it claimed that roughly six billion dollars, supposed to go the South since the CPA in 2005, were missing?A: I don’t think this is true. And you can ask Global Witness. Recently, Global Witness participated in a landmark transparency seminar in Khartoum, which we organised. Global Witness said it was impressed by the openness with which all sides participated in the event. They emphasised that the discrepancies uncovered did not mean that six billion dollars were missing, but only about 10 percent (about 600 million dollars). Anyway, I assured them of my new policy of transparency.Q: What are the prospects of oil production in Sudan?A: We expect to increase oil production by up to one-third by next year, reaching as high as 600,000 barrels per day. Current average output is between 450,000 and 470,000 from the two blends - Nile and Dar.Recently, we and the Finnish firm, Fenno Caledonian, signed an oil and gas exploration agreement for the north-eastern part of Sudan, in the states of Gadaref, Kasala, River Nile, and Gezira. The company also works in Dongola.As you can see, this indicates the influx of European investment in Sudan. French oil giant Total, which has a huge untapped reserve in south Sudan, asked us about guarantees to keep its concessions after the referendum. I assured them of this, whatever the result of the referendum. As you know, Western firms mostly pulled out during the North-South civil war and the sector is currently dominated by Asian companies. But, I want to open the door for every company, from every country.- - -Further Reading Southern Sudanese gather at the grave of their first president John Garang in July 2010, in memory of those killed in a 22-year long war with the north. (AFP/File/Peter Martell - Sun Aug 8, 2010; 3:48 PM ET)Sudan’s oil minister criticizes secessionist voices, supports unitySudan Tribune - Monday, 30 August 2010(Note: 60 comments)Dr. Deng is entitled to his opinion but...Sudan Tribune - Wednesday, 1 September 2010Opinion piece by Isaiah Abraham“What do we [Southerners] want more?" the Unionist Oil Minister, Dr. Lual Achuil Deng, asks!South Sudan News Agency - Wednesday, 01 September 2010Opinion piece by Dr Justin Ambago Ramba (a concerned South Sudanese citizen residing in the United Kingdom) - excerpt:"... In the damaging interview that Dr. Lual Deng had with the London based Arabic Daily – the Al Sharq Al Awsat…Sunday 29th August 2010, Edition: 11597 can be considered as a continuum of contradictions within the SPLM’s inner circles. The very long (over seven pages) interview, which the Sudan Tribune 30/08/2010 only managed to publish a summary- clearly confirms that the SPLM was and is not uniformly indoctrinated in any one ideology or even a common vision for that matter. [...] For the in depth knowledge and first hand information about the infamous interview I advise you to visit the al Sharq al Awsat website and please read the Arabic version, which is original and authentic. ..."Quote of the Day"In 1998 Garang visited Egypt where he convinced President Hussni Mubarak and his Government that he was a Unionist, not a Separatist. Garang believed in a New Democratic Sudan with modern values as opposed to the old despotic Sudan. He wanted to extend the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) model to the other regions as the best solution of their political problems. He wanted to establish the New Democratic Sudan in Khartoum whereby all the five regions of Sudan converge to form a truly strong Federal Government. The Constitution of this Federal Government would be worked out by the elected Parliament in Khartoum. Unfortunately, he did not live to follow his vision through."[Source: Extract from commentary published at theblacklistpub.ning.com - South Sudan Cross-Road: UNITY OR SEPARATION? - by an authentic SPLM/government bureaucrat, 17 February 2009, SSN]- - -.THE POST REFERENDUM ARRANGEMENT TALK IN KHARTOUM Former South African president Thabo Mbeki addresses the opening session of the Post Referendum Arrangement talk in Khartoum July 10, 2010. Northern and southern Sudanese leaders on Saturday said they would consider forming a confederation or a common market if southerners chose to declare independence in an upcoming referendum. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah Sat Jul 10, 2010; 10:37 AM ET) Sudan Vice President Ali Osman Taha (R) and Southern Sudan Vice President Reik Mashar (L) smile during the opening session of the Post Referendum Arrangement talk in Khartoum July 10, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah Sat Jul 10, 2010; 10:18 AM ET)Northern and southern Sudanese cheer together Southern Sudan Vice President Reik Mashar waves to northern and southern Sudanese cheering together during the opening session of the Post Referendum Arrangement talk in Khartoum July 10, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah Sat Jul 10, 2010; 10:21 AM ET) Northern and southern Sudanese cheer together during the opening session of the Post Referendum Arrangement talk in Khartoum July 10, 2010. Sudan Vice President Ali Osman Taha and Southern Sudan Vice President Reik Mashar are seen at the table in in the centre of the picture. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah Sat Jul 10, 2010; 10:30 AM ET)- - -News from The New York Times:Headlines Around the WebWhat's This?THE ASSOCIATED PRESSSEPTEMBER 2, 2010Official: South Sudan Lawmakers May Vote to SecedeCBSNEWS.COMSEPTEMBER 1, 2010UN Opens First Office For South Sudan ReferendumECHIDNE OF THE SNAKESSEPTEMBER 1, 2010Women In SudanTHE WASHINGTON TIMESSEPTEMBER 1, 2010LEVI: A classic act of provocationBOSTON GLOBESEPTEMBER 1, 2010Aid groups accuse Sudan army of lootingMore at Blogrunner »- - -News from SRS - Sudan Radio Service:Wednesday, 01-Sep-2010NCP Keen To Implement PCA Resolution On Abyei, Says OfficialRwanda To Pull Out Peacekeeping Troops From SudanSPLM-DC Says It Will Accept Referendum ResultsHAC To Address Humanitarian Situation In CountryBlue Nile State Unhappy With CPASouthern Youth Forum Criticizes Statement By Oil MinisterSouthern Anti-Corruption Commission Sets Up Office In Unity StateYirol West Commissioner Discourages Cattle RaidingThursday, 02-Sep-2010UN Prepares For Referendum AftermathChadian Opposition Flown Back From DarfurNo Agreement Reached Over IDP Delegates, Says UNAMIDSPLM-DC Says It May Work With SPLM On Certain ConditionsPCP To Respect Referendum ResultsGOSS Trains Ex-CombatantsSudan Sports LatestThank you for reading Sudan Watch. 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9Authors: Editor

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Mac Madol Agorok   www.borglobe.com
                                                                                                     
Gathering is the time to melt together, in a couple of days, Bor people will gather to combine their hearts and minds in a new direction. Many individuals who have gotten the message for upcoming event in Michigan fill with swelling waves of aspiration. They are men, women, children and friends of Bor, spread in western hemisphere and all over the world. These people purchase their flight tickets and others tint their vehicles with brightness quite ready for a drumbeat of optimism about Bor in its prospects. This week, they will travel extensive miles get cracking to Michigan State. Fervently hope Grand Rapids City overwhelms by dark light complexions chiefly from corridors of the United States. With these citizens they have a variety of reasons to join a remarkable jiffy, but they have one thing in common with each other. In this quote, "Grant us a brotherhood, not only for this day but for all our years - a brotherhood not of words but of acts and deeds." the need to meet in person seems very real to them.

One of things exhilarates most folks (awaak) a cultural ritual hands down from generation to generation in Bor indigenous system of cosmology. Why a wake up call has been such a significant aura in Bor life? In literal content, awaak means to clean/purify self. So to say (awaak), would translate into (I am cleaning/purifying it). Tribe’s people celebrate awaak tradition heavily through a sacrifice of resources such as livestock and harvests to appreciate a connection between human and nature, person-to-person, clan-to-clan, village-to-village and nation-to-nation in Borland. For this reason and other reasons, village elders give special permissions to their sons, daughters and admirers to sacrifice cattle for their traditional standing. Follow a dance of joy known “bul awaak” moves from shrine to shrine in the hinterlands of Bor. This gala takes days to complete its circulation.

By the same token awaak brings upon inhabitants unprecedented blessings among them, an increase of cattle wealth and better yields on crop production. This impression influences Bor natives to view awaak as undead spirit for a good wish. Nothing depicts ecstasy compare to awaak in Bor inheritance. Kids giggle and roll with laughter and village’s mothers cherish in their eloquent voices. All people engulf in the garment of awaak spirit. Not to mention, animals of the land such as dogs, hyenas, and birds, awaak is vital for happiness as good as a feast.

Contrary to nature awaak suffers disappearance as property reduced to ash during recent Sudanese Civil War between north and south. Interruptions suspend recognition long and even worsen by catastrophic loss of Bor to SPLM/SPLA political split of the 1991. Places of secular divine burnt down. The celebration gets slow to a snail's pace until now Bor Sudanese in Michigan remind us of a diminishing culture.

 Another thing is the community election, Bor members will look forward to the future. It is time to elect path-breakers to lead Bor Community based in the United States. The candidates are Daniel Mabior Aciek, Michael Ayuen Kuany, Dhieu Deng Leek, Abraham Deng Lueth and Mayol Aguto Malaak. To be proud of your community is a sterling quality of leadership. They deserve their thanks. As community campaigns flow potential voters and wrestlers with a question whether or not our candidates address a bipartisanship in their platforms. Bipartisanship is a stand to work together for the common interest of the people regardless of the election results. Bor is not a political party, but a bipartisan land. Neither one nor two sides should be tempted to jam the public road. The candidate should strive to persuade voters that what I think is right. And this how I answer the arguments you make. Then let audience say how they judge yours. This way we can win each other in the process.

What concern members like me, has something to do with candidates veer off from their arguments on campaign trails and go circle in debates or else attack who they are, instead of sharing their thoughts and goals for running in which voters possess obligation to filter points for viable solutions and validity. For instance, I would love to vote leader who has a simple idea to see people as people, pillar of the community, someone that gives his head to followers and vow to accomplish what they need with limited resources in hand. This is a moment to roll up the sleeves and rise above our flailing emptiness.

Culture is a pillar of life. By practicing gregarious activities we help kids learning Bor way of life. We have to take advantage of the gathering, to let the culture pave the way for our next generation. As African Proverb says, "All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today." We owe them good example since they believe older people are perfect.

However, we should not snub rhetorical question, will there be friction in the way? Others may say you are letting your imagination run away with you. I admit. We have the barriers to keep down. Probably, if electoral committee lean certain sides then elections will fail to produce a leadership.

The term "Greater" drowns many citizens in criticism. People think it connotes classicism and military glorifications makes it unfit for Bor Community. Others fear there exists or will exist Lesser Bor as well. In synonym, greater means superior, bigger, and higher et cetera. Bor is a cream of the crop, but Let us come down discuss the implications of the usage for this disjunctive epithet.  Greater has been used in political definitions decades back yonder.

Derivation of "Great"

According to the British free encyclopedia, the term (Great) first used in 1474, instrument of designing the proposed for a marriage between Cecily the daughter of Edward IV of England, and James the III of Scotland. Then used repeatedly in 1604 when King James VI and I, in a debate attempt to impose a term, which would unite his double legacy of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England. Great Britain used greater to distinguish Britannia major (Greater Britain) from Britannia minor (Lesser Britain). Alfred the Great (871-899), reigned in England. The title "great" was given to him because of his great leadership over the land and the people he served. Furthermore, Alexander III the Great born in 356 BC, he was the king of Macedonia and conqueror of the Persian Empire. He was considered great because of his genius all the times. Now we have seen how these figures acquired their political definitions return to Bor.

Possible recommendations to the Electoral Committee and Bor community members:

a) Bor community members make awaak tradition of the community self help, an example, use it to raise funds for Bor developing activities.

b) Electoral Committee introduces constructive approaches to free and fair elections.

c)  To both Bor community members and electoral committee trim the fat "Greater".

Finally, gathering reflects a paradigm of hope after we interact and celebrate ourselves in two days. We feel beneficial to share the bright side of our future. Come let us walk and laugh together.

Mac Madol Agorok resides in North America. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

From Amazon.com - About the book "The Enough Moment: Fighting to End Africa's Worst Human Rights Crimes"Description: Two "New York Times"-bestselling authors issue a hopeful and empowering call to action for those interested in how people's movements and inspired policies can stop genocide, child soldier recruitment, and rape as a weapon in Sudan, Uganda, and Congo.Authors: John Prendergast, Don CheadleThis title will be released on September 7, 2010. - - -From John Prendergast's Enough Project.orgThe Enough Moment Human rights activist John Prendergast and Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle bring us an empowering and hopeful new book, as they reveal the steps being taken by engaged citizens—"Upstanders"—famous and unknown, here and abroad, to combat genocide, rape, and child soldierdom in Africa, and show how you can be a part of the movement.Release Date: September 7, 2010Pre-order the Book Amazon.comBARNES & NOBLEBORDERSINDIEBOUNDHad Enough?Join activists, organizations, and celebrities to fight human rights crimes in Africa.Learn how a high school student in Chicago rallied fellow students all over his city to raise awareness of genocide... a former child soldier in Uganda formed a group of others like him to aid in reconciliation... and a mother and teacher gang-raped by soldiers in Congo found strength to help other survivors. John and Don present ways for you to form alliances, contact Congress, alert the media, enlist corporations, and use social media to become part of the solution.Featuring testimonies and interviews with:Ben Affleck • Madeleine Albright • Emmanuelle Chriqui • Sheryl Crow • Ann Curry • Annie Duke • Dave Eggers • Mia Farrow • Ryan Gosling • Mariska Hargitay • Emile Hirsch • Iman • Angelina Jolie • Nicholas Kristof • Joel Madden • Nicole Richie • Martin Sheen • Robin WrightAs well as a number of members of Congress and many others making a difference.- - -From Amazon's John Prendergast page I'm the co-founder of the Enough Project at Center for American Progress. We're building a movement to end genocide and crimes against humanity. The Enough Project focuses on crises in Sudan, eastern Congo, and areas of Africa affected by the Lord's Resistance Army.Too often, the United States and the larger international community have taken a wait-and-see approach to crimes against humanity. This is unconscionable.Genocide and war crimes are not inevitable, and we at Enough are making noise and taking action to stop ongoing mass atrocities and to prevent future ones.Our mission is to help people from every walk of life understand the practical actions they can take to make a difference. Our strategy is to energize diverse communities - including students, religious groups, activists, business leaders, celebrities, and diaspora networks - to ensure that their voices are heard on some of the most pressing foreign policy and moral challenges facing the world today.It all begins with an "Enough Moment" -- an experience in your life when you realize you have to stand up, speak out, and organize with others on vital human rights issues in Africa.We at the Enough Project are interested in hearing your video, photo, or text versions of personal Enough Moments. We are launching a website, www.enoughmoment.org, where your video, photo, or text can appear alongside other Enough Moments from celebrities, policy makers, activists, and survivors. I look forward to hearing your Enough Moment.Thank you for reading Sudan Watch. 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6Authors: Editor

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By Dr James Okuk

I – BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM

September 1, 2010 (SSNA) -- Right from its independence from the European colonialists who were assisted by some Africans themselves, the Sudan have been in search of defining itself. (By “the Sudan” here I mean the land and its resources, the people and their cultures, and the government and its systems or regimes). The Sudanese – I don’t care here where they originate from – who  got the opportunity to be handed with the Sudan’s independence valuables like power and wealth, did not hesitate to try shaping the country in their own image. Let me recall what an ancient Greek philosopher said that if animals get a chance to draw a god they will do it in their own shape as the humans do.

Obviously, those privileged Sudanese before and during the independence, tried to portray the country as Arabized and Islamized in different settings. However, this one-sided drawing did not pass peacefully without a protest from the Sudanese who do not want to comply with the imposed dual identity. In fact, the thing turned into a crisis in Southern Sudan and fragments of crises in the Western, Eastern and Central Sudan. Even those who have no problem with Islamic identity like the Darfuris, became rebels to Arabization project because they found it hard to let go their Furi, Zaghawi and other African identities despite the fact that they are faithful Muslims.

Of course, internal marginalization in terms of power and wealth dividends in the independent Sudan became another complicating factor for the identity crisis. But luckily enough, and through the benefits of globalization where national crisis affect international interests, the Sudanese major rebels groups in the name of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) who were controlling the bushes and some towns and villages in Southern Sudan set together on peace negotiation tables with the Islamic and Arabized National Congress Party (NCP). The end result of the talks was a compile of protocols and agreements called Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that was later signed in Nairobi’s Nyayo stadium on 9^th January 2005 amidst a colourful celebration by the Sudanese and their friends in Kenya, and in presence of international and regional dignitaries as well as representatives of non-governmental, faith-based and civil society organizations.

The best hope heard from the long speech of Dr John Garang the Mabior (who was the most outstanding favourite in the whole deal) was that no more bombs shall rain down from the sky but blessings with joyful women’s ululation and happy children’s giggling. That is, no more war; it is time for peace where Southern Sudan that lacked a tarmac high way since the time of biblical creationism shall start to have ones as a result of the CPA’s full and joint implementation advantage. Also the Sudanese President, Omer Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir, in his short speech re-iterated (as he said in Naivashe in 2004) that the signed CPA marks the real independence of the Sudan because peace has never thrived since the exit of the Turko-Anglo-Egyptian Colonialists.

Nonetheless, the best fear was sent out by the Ugandan President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who wondered how the feathers, horns and turbans worn in the different parts of the Sudan could be boiled in a one port without perpetual conflicts. Even the US State Department Secretary, Mr Collin Powel couldn’t afford to hide his pessimism as he said that celebrating the CPA is a very easy task for all but implementing it is the real challenge, especially for the two partners who negotiated the deal through the Kenyan army general, Mr Lazarus Sumbeiywo, the Chief mediator for Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)’s Secretariat on Peace in the Sudan, and the general who have made Africans but the world’s army generals proud of becoming renowned as peace-makers instead of war mongers. Dr Garang himself entertained some fears as he kept emphasizing that the CPA is going to be different from any other peace agreement signed in the Sudan because it is guaranteed internationally in addition to its ownership by the Sudanese people themselves who values it. Here, comes the onus of my article and its analytical flavour.

II- POSSIBILITY OF REFERENDUM COLLAPSE

Why I am I tempted to think that the agreed referendum for self-determination of the people of Southern Sudan in the CPA could collapse if mishandled?

Because implementing an agreement signed out of tactics from an intelligent ruling clique could proof futile at the end of the journey. The Arabized Sudanese who have been in control of power and wealth are not immune from Machiavellianism as the experience with some dishonoured previous peace agreements have proven. They are very experienced professionals in playing the political games of delay-tactics for frustrating the opponents near the goal posts so that they are pushed back to square one of defence. Also most of the SPLM leaders have not learnt to become independent strategists without hiring think-tank mercenaries as their consultants and back-ups. They have failed to grasp that mercenaries are mercenaries because their strength is directed by where their interests lie, and thus, they could play a double standards role depending on who grants them the interests most.

I came across some expert reports written by International Crisis Group, United States Institute for Peace and others in regard to the situation of the Sudan within the perceived context of the referendum for Southern Sudan. Nonetheless, and as far as I acknowledge some valid points scored by these experts, I am still sceptical of what they said. They are groups whose aim is thriving on crises because without these they may not have lucrative work. Thus, their reports must be treated with caution due to some exaggeration of the perceived or actual situations they draw.

The enemies of South Sudan independence are not sleeping and will not sleep until they see the unity of the Sudan in a coffin with the last nail hit on it by the SPLM converted separatists and with applause from the original separatists. But the SPLM itself is ambivalent on the issue of separation of South Sudan. The Sudanese Vice President, Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, have already vowed that he and the unionists shall never give up on unity of the country even after the de facto independence of South Sudan. That is, they will not abandon their suited interests from South Sudan; comes hot sun or cold rain. They will try all means and any available opportunity to paralyze the separatists and bring them back on a wheel chair under the pretext of  political strategy of building a secure, peaceful, just, democratic, civilized, advanced and developed country that is united on a free will of its dignified citizens, or push them off the cliff if they resist. Time will tell soon as long as the earth moves around the sun with subsequent recurrent of sunrise and sunset within its own axis!!

According to the Referendum Act, at least 60% of all the registered voters should go polling in the referendum in order to legitimately recognize the outcome of the exercise. Also, 50%+1 of the referendum votes – minus spoiled votes - shall be required to declare either continuation of unity of the Sudan or secession of the South from the North. With the high level of illiteracy in Southern Sudan, there is no guarantee that many votes could not get spoiled. Also the unionists may encourage many Southerners to register for the referendum but with the aim to discourage most of them to vote so that the required quorum for declaring the independence is not reached. Part of the discouragement tactics could be displacement of the eligible voters from their constituencies using insecurity method where the people may prefer to run for their dear lives rather than stay for referendum vote. It pains me when the SPLA helps in this. Also any failure to meet the quorum may lead to second round of polling in 60 days time, and the second round could be difficult and complicated because it may generate uncomfortable debate and harmful quarrels.

That is why the separatist GoSS Vice President, Dr Riek Machar, is concerned that the eligible Southerners who feel they may not vote during the referendum should not register in the first place because that would harm the needed turnout. However, it seems that Dr Machar is not telling the people of what can be done to survive the insecurity by the SPLA and their rivals (militias or NCP weak hearts or etc.,) that occurs in Southern Sudan when the polling date approaches nearly. It seems only that he is smelling one rat that the referendum may not be like April 2010 elections where ballot papers were ticked and boxes stuffed by the SPLM on behalf of the people; he has not talking about other smelly rats that may sneak into the process to utilize the rush hour.

No doubt, the scrutiny is going to be very tough for the referendum in regard to transparency, freedom and fairness of the process. The Sudanese Chief law-maker, Hon Speaker Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Tahir, and other unionists have been heard publicly accusing the SPLM of trying to control all southerners both in the north and south in order “to obstruct and hinder the referendum in a non-transparent and underhanded manner by overstepping the law.” It should be noted that during the briefing visit of SPLM Secretary-General, Mr Pagan Amum, to the UN Headquarters in New York, and in reaction to the hearing of the briefing on 14^th June 2010 by the Chairman of the AU High Implementation Panel (AUHIP), Mr Thabo Mbeki, and also by the chief of the UN Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS), Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, the Security Council members reiterated their commitment to the resolution No 1919 but cautioned that the SPLM, the NCP and all the Sudanese concerned political leaders should ensure credibility of the referendum and its aftermath so that the UN gets no qualm to recognize any declared result of the process; unity or secession.

III - THREE SCENARIOS SURROUNDING THE REFERENDUM

What are the most compelling scenarios of the unionists on the referendum exercise that could affect and complicate its final outcome at the end of six-year interim period?

1) Dishonouring the referendum exercise so that South Sudan does not part ways with the North. This could easily be done by violating the CPA in totality and pushing the SPLM and Southern separatist groups or individuals back to the easy option of war. However, the practicality of this scenario at the moment seems to be futile, especially when the CPA partners (SPLM & NCP) have learnt the benefits of dialoguing out the differences and difficulties, and in fear of lost of the power that both of them are in enjoying liberally in a Khartoum and Juba. Both the SPLM and NCP may not be willing to revisit the war option because their experiences in the past have shown that none of them could get defeated and crashed militarily out of the Sudan surface.

2) Delaying the conduct of the referendum by using legal means so that South Sudan does not become an independent state asap. This tactic could take two directions: a) the Using the Southern Sudan Referendum Act (2009) because some provisions there shall require the mentioned 9^th January 2011 date of declaration of the plebiscite polling to be amended as the previous procedures  and set dates to it lag behind the stipulated schedule. For example, the finalization of the registration of the eligible voters requires five months and up to now this has not kicked off when October 2010 has dawned and Referendum Countdown is running out of time flux. That is, some additional months shall be needed to suit what is required in the Referendum Act. As long as the registration kick off is delayed, the more the needed additional months push further to squeeze the set final date. We are not even sure the geographical terrain in Southern Sudan in the rainy season will be favourable for doing the work successfully in time, especially when there are no enough helicopters to transport the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC)’s staff and their logistics to the registration centres. Nevertheless, the law-makers in the Sudan Legislative Assembly still have the power to adjust the set timing in the Referendum Act so the SSRC could get a new mandate to carry put their duties and enjoy their rights within the law.

Funding could be another reason to slow down the process though some well-wishers who are pro-South Sudan independence worldwide have expressed willingness to offer some fund. The Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) has also pledged to set aside some fund for the referendum. The Sudan government also have the obligation to fund the activities of the SSRC because it is part and parcel of government institutions. But who knows, may be some members in the SSRC could intentionally execute corruption dealings on the referendum fund so that nothing moves a head in time as the very Commission itself get entrapped into internal squabbles. This scenario had seemed to be likely but now its authors may disown it slowly. Let’s keep the benefit of doubt here.

3) Allowing a rushed and disorganized conduct of the referendum so that a valid legal case could be generated out of it while ensuring that the judges who shall adjudicate the objections are going to be partial as far as unity of the Sudan is concerned. It has been bitterly experiences by the opposition political parties and independent candidates in the last April 2010 elections how the Sudanese judges are highly politicized by the ruling parties. This bitterness could be repeated as well in the referendum process. If it happened, the separatist may opt to take the issue to an international judicial arbitration. Notwithstanding, this would mean endorsing the delay of the judgment whether South Sudan deserves to become an independent state recognizable worldwide. It is a known fact that international justice requires much patience because its procedures and standards are very long and tedious. It could be remembered here how long the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) took to pronounce a judgment on the Abyei Area’s boundary law suit. Also it may be considered here that the international justice may demand a fresh re-conduct of the referendum under supervision (not observation this time) of some credible international bodies like the United Nations (UN) so that whatever they endorse becomes the final declared result of the plebiscite.

Also the African Union (AU) may find it uncomfortable to recognize quickly the emergence of a new state in Africa called the Republic of South Sudan, especially as the independence recognition cases of Somaliland and Western Sahara remain pending and thorny. However, the AU may resort to treat this as a case-by-case perspective because it is a witness signatory to the CPA document through Mr. Alpha Oumar Konare. This signatory and other AU commitments on peace and security in the Sudan pose unavoidable obligation to accept the exception of the independence case of South Sudan even if it leads to redrawing in the African continent geo-political maps.

The third scenario is the most likely now because unionist politicians’ voices seem to be echoing this these days. Even those NCP leaders who were saying that the referendum may not be allowed to take place in the agreed time if the borders between the South and North are not demarcated, seems to have taken horse U-turn now and are becoming vocal with the SPLM leaders’ position that says there is no direct connection between the referendum and borders. Nonetheless, people need to be cautious a bit here because it is said when the diverging Machiavellian politicians come out to converge certainly on an issue of contention, then some mysterious dealing amongst them might have taken place in the dark. What is the SPLM secret dealing with the NCP here? I think power sweetness should not be overruled. It is here that the honest separatists should triple their efforts to see to it that the final result of the delay of the referendum process remains in the best interest of the independent Republic of South Sudan; not unity of the Sudan.

IV – CHALLENGE OF RECOGNITION OF SOUTH SUDAN REPUBLIC

International community is not a fixed entity because its survival is connected to change adaptability capacity. As an ancient Greek philosopher said that everything is in a constant flux in the world except the change itself, and as Charles Darwin hypothesized that the biological species that fail to adapt to the emerging changes will not survive the forces of the circumstances, I have no doubt that the international and regional communities will be compelled to recognize the emerging independence strive of Southern Sudanese. It is a hard fact that in the human world new states are created while some old ones fade away. New governments come into being within states in a manner contrary to declared constitutions whether or not accompanied by force. These circumstances and others have obliged countries to decide whether or not to recognize one another in international arena.  In most cases the decision depends more upon political considerations than exclusively legal factors because human beings do not live on laws alone.

In the international law, there are basically two theories of how countries recognize each other. The first is the constitutive theory, which maintains that it is the act of recognition by other states that creates a new state and endows it with legal personality, but not the process by which it actually obtained independence. Thus, new states are established in the international community as fully fledged subjects of international law by virtue of the will and consent of already existing states. The second is the declaratory theory, which adopts the opposite approach of the constitutive theory and maintains that recognition is merely an acceptance by states of an already existing situation. That is, a new state acquires capacity in international law not by virtue of the consent of others but of a particular factual situation. A new state will be legally constituted by its own efforts and circumstances and will not have to wait for the procedures of recognition by other states. Thus, for the constitutive theorists, the unrecognized states have no rights or obligations in the international community. And for the declarative theorists, what matter is the factual situation and not how other states confer legal personality on a new state.

However, actual practice leads to middle position between the two extremes: the act of recognition by states to each others indicates that they regard one another as having conformity with the basic requirements of international law and mutual beneficial interests in each others. Hence, there could be many different ways and factors in which recognition can occur.

Putting all those theories and practices of the act of recognition into consideration, I could say that the separatists of South Sudan need not to worry much about who will not recognize the emergence of a new state in Africa but should exert much efforts to garner gains from the countries that are going to recognize them and start establishing robust bilateral and multilateral diplomatic, economic, political and other links with them. South Sudan is not going to be an easy country to ignore because of the resources and other potentials it has.

The encouraging factor now is that the semi-autonomous transitional government and resources available in Southern Sudan are already recognized by a number of countries, NGOS, international banks, regional blocs, international community and others because many of them have disbursed direct or indirect representative actors to the region. That is, South Sudan is already recognized worldwide de facto and de juri expressly or tacitly. It is just a matter of time to formalize this. And since recognition is fundamentally a political act reserved to the executive branch of the government in collaboration with the legislative, this would mean that the internal judiciary in the Sudan (both at the national and regional levels) should accept the discretion of the joint executive-legislative and give effect to its decision to declare South Sudan as an independent state sooner than later.

V – CHALLENGE OF DECLARING INDEPENDENCE WITHOUT TERRITORY

In international law, the sovereignty itself with its retinue of legal rights and duties or jurisdiction, is founded upon the fact of territory (or demarcated borders). If a state cannot exercise exclusive power over its defined territory, then it could not be regarded as viable state fundamentally. That is without territory a legal person cannot be a state. However, the international community has traditionally approached the problems of new states in terms of recognition, rather than in terms of acquisition of title to territory. There has been relatively little discussion in the international laws of the method by which states acquire legal rights to their territorial lands (above, on the surface and underneath). The stress has instead been on compliance with factual requirements as to the statehood coupled with acceptance of this by other states. The reason could be that many countries that constitute the power element of the international community have acquired their territorial lands in unjust manner questionable in many aspects.

One major relevant factor here is the crucial importance of the doctrine of domestic jurisdiction. This constitutes the legal prohibition on interference within the internal mechanisms of an entity and emphasises the supremacy of a state within its own frontiers. Many of the factual and legal processes leading up to the emergence of a new state are therefore barred from international legal scrutiny and have proved a deterrent to the search for a precise method by which a new entity obtains title to the territory in question.

There are basically two methods by which a new entity may gain its independence as a new state: by constitutional means, i.e., by agreement with the former controlling administration in an orderly devolution of power, or by non-constitutional means, usually by force, against the will of the previous sovereign. The granting of independence according to the constitutional provisions of the former power and may be achieved either by agreement between the former power and the accepted authorities of the emerging state, or by a purely internal piece of legislation by the previous sovereign. However, in many cases a combination of both procedures is adopted.

In the case that involves devolution or transfer of sovereignty from one power to another, the title to the territory will accordingly pass from previous sovereign to the new administration in a conscious act of transference. But in the case where a new entity gains its independence contrary to the wishes of the previous authority, whether by secession or revolution, the disposed sovereign may ultimately make an agreement with the new state recognizing its new status, but in the meantime the new state might well be regarded by other states as a valid state under international law.

In the case of the emerging circumstance of South Sudan, the people and government in the region are already in control of some parcel of land though the fact of sovereignty de juri is not yet established despite its de facto in the form of an independent army – the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, the secularized banks and other characteristics. Here parts of the lands that is supposed to be belonging to the territory of South Sudan by virtue of the CPA’s provision of demarcation of the borders in accordance to the maps of 1^st January, 1956. Hence, the constitutive theory of the international law could be applied while dialoguing for the declarative theory as well, in parts, in accordance with the article 31 and 32 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969) but interpreted in “good faith.” For example, in the Eritrea/Ethiopia case, the Boundary Commission referred to the principle of contemporaneity, by which it meant that a treaty should be interpreted by reference to the circumstances prevailing when the treaty was concluded.

Boundary awards may also constitute roots or sources of legal title to territory. A decision by the International Court or arbitral tribunal allocating title to particular territory or determining the boundary line between two states will constitute establishment or confirmation of title that will be binding upon the parties themselves and for all practical purpose upon the parties themselves and for all practical purposes upon all states in the absent of maintained protest. It is also possible that boundary allocation decisions that do not constitute international judicial or arbitral awards may be binding, provided that it can be shown that parties consented to the initial decision.

VI – CONCLUSION

The best of the useful hints to avoid the South Sudan referendum collapse is for the separatists to consider seriously the possible troubles I have highlighted ahead and them work hard to defuse them. For example, if the unionists are dragging them to the trap of rushed and disorganized referendum for a spoil, the separatists should work oppositely by trying to adopt a traffic police attitude of reducing the speed and slowing down for safety sake. It is the highest time for the South Sudan separatists to get totally convinced that it is their time from now to the future. The unionists have already enjoyed their time. Thus, let the separatists not be provoked by the unionists and join them blindly in acts that could spoil this rare and valuable opportunity in history of human kind. If the separatists take it “slow and sure” like a tortoise, and defusing all the unfavourable tactics of the enemies of the independence, then they will certainly be there with utmost pride of dignity.

The separatists need to lobby hardest with the IGAD as well as the AU, which already is mandated by the founding Organization of African Union (OAU) charter to favour unionists in Africa. They have heard it several times from the very mouth of the executive chief of the AU, Mr Jean Ping, that the bloc does not support separatists de juri. They can only recognize the separatist de facto and only when a lesser evil imposes itself for a greater good. Not to forget that the UN Security Council has already taken a stand on the referendum that they will be with the choice of the people of Southern Sudan and not of the politicians or political parties. With such a strong lobby backed by pressure from the South Sudan separatists’ youth, and with Christian churches praying for Moses to cross Southerners out of the Sinai desert despite the obstacles, there shall be a cape of good hope that South Sudan shall become an independent African state like Eritrea with the AU admitting it as a new comer to add number 54 in the membership composition of the Union. Even if the delay occurred that fire of hope shall never fade away. Surely, independence is coming!!!

Dr James Okuk is a Concerned Southerner reachable at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

AFP

Nigeria's government locked out hundreds of workers who showed up late in the capital on Tuesday as part of efforts to instill discipline among notoriously nonchalant civil servants.

Doors were locked at 8:30 am - the official, if widely ignored, start time for federal government workers - so managers could make a list of those who failed to turn up on time, said Tope Ajakaiye, a civil service spokesman.

"It is a continuous measure in an attempt to bring sanity back to the civil service," Ajakaiye told AFP, adding two other lockouts occurred earlier this month. Doors reopened around 10:00 am.

Late arrivals will eventually be sanctioned, he said, though he declined to say what the penalties would be.

While government workers are often criticised for being lackadaisical, many also live far from the centre of the capital Abuja because they cannot afford the expensive rental prices within the city limits.

© 2010 AFP

 

By Shane Smith, Founder of VICE and VBS.TVcnnAuthor = "By Shane Smith, Founder of VICE and VBS.TV";

Editor's note: The staff at CNN.com has recently been intrigued by the journalism of VICE, an independent media company and website based in Brooklyn, New York. VBS.TV is Vice's broadband television network. The reports, which are produced solely by VICE, reflect a transparent approach to journalism, where viewers are taken along on every step of the reporting process. We believe this unique reporting approach is worthy of sharing with our CNN.com readers.

 

Brooklyn, New York (VBS.TV) -- Before I went to Sudan, I didn't know much about the conflict in Darfur beyond everyone saying, "It's the worst genocide of our time" and watching footage on CNN of the Janjaweed militia wiping out whole villages. Really, we only decided to go there because one of our favorite photographers had been chatting with an old friend of his who is now a UN press officer in Khartoum. She offered to pull some strings and get us visas and organize flights around the country, so we said, "F*** it" and got on a plane.

On the flight over, I went through this huge binder of research about the situation. It really messed me up. The scale of the devastation was difficult to comprehend:

There have been 300,000 people killed and at least 2 million displaced from their homes in Darfur since fighting broke out in 2003. This comes right on the heels of another civil war in the south of Sudan that killed more than 2 million people and displaced a further 4 million over the course of the conflict.

As the plane landed in Khartoum, I had the biggest "Ummmm, what the f*** am I doing here?" moment of my life. From the minute we got off the plane to the minute we flew out again, I was s***-scared. And as it turned out, I was totally right to be.

I never understood the motivation of the conflict until I went there. Why are they killing all these people, cutting their arms off and throwing them in the wells? Well, obviously that's a terror tactic, but it also makes the villages and towns where they do it unlivable afterward. Why ruin the land that you're raiding? It didn't seem to be about one group claiming rights to territory; they're all Muslim, so it isn't about religion or Arabs killing blacks, like it's being portrayed in the media. What is it for?

Well, as little as 30 years ago, Sudan was one of the poorest nations in Africa. It experienced a huge famine in the early 1980s, just like Ethiopia. Then they found oil in the south, so they freaked out and sent all these paramilitary groups similar to the Janjaweed down there and kicked all the people off the land. These groups were not officially affiliated with the government, so the government could safely say, "It's got nothing to do with us," but they were all secretly government-sanctioned. The civil war that this led to went on for nearly 20 years.

They finally enacted a peace agreement to unite north and south Sudan, and the UN went to Sudan especially to monitor that agreement. But then -- bang! -- same thing happened again, elsewhere in the country. The Janjaweed started killing people in Darfur, and the government was saying "It's not us doing it" and doing very little to stop them.

See the rest of Inside Sudan at VBS.TV

And that's the interesting thing. In fact, we could point our finger at America for the early days of it, because Chevron sank the first well in southern Sudan. When we went down south in Sudan and saw the wells, we found out that it's all Chinese companies there now.

China doesn't have any of America's problems of bad press in the Middle East or Africa, or people back home saying they shouldn't buy conflict diamonds or whatever. China is in very good favor in those parts of the world. In 2009, China gave $10 billion in aid to African countries. So Africans are like, "We love China." In turn, China comes in and says, "We'll take your oil and your gold. We don't give a s*** about your conflicts or who hates who here."

The work camps are all completely enclosed and staffed by Chinese and Malaysians. All the money that Sudan gets from these wells goes to the north to Khartoum. The south of Sudan is supposed to get 2 percent, but they have no auditing there, so it's like, "Two percent of how much?" It's crazy, you're in the poorest areas in the world, and you're constantly in the shadow of rigs that are pumping out oil for China. Everyone likes to say that America is addicted to oil, but at this point it's the entire world.