Bashir Doubles Down, Says All Foreign Aid Agencies Should Leave

by Michael Bear · 2009-03-16 08:43:00 UTC
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Not content with having expelled thirteen of the largest NGOs, Sudanese President Omar Bashir has decided to raise the stakes.  Speaking at a military rally on Monday, Bashir announced his goal of replacing all foreign aid agencies in Sudan within the year:

"I ordered humanitarian affairs officials that in one year we don't want any foreign aid organisation working on the ground with our citizens and that Sudanese organisations will fulfil this role."

Just to make everything completely clear, he added "If they want to bring in aid, they will have to leave it at the airport."

(Years ago, at the Khartoum airport, I saw what might be the world's only non-circular baggage carousel.  The conveyor was a straight line, at the end of which your bags simply tumbled to the floor.  I have to believe there's a metaphor there, somewhere.)

According to the Enough Project, Bashir's edict - or desire - apparently covers both north and south Sudan.

All of which begs the eternal Sudan-question - is this an actual plan, or simply a rhetorical bluff?

Last week, the Sudanese Government issued a list of 19 Sudanese NGOs which will replace the expelled aid agencies in Darfur.

Of course, at the same time Sudan also disbanded three of the largest Sudanese NGOs operating in Darfur, so it's a bit of a wash.

And to think that just last week, State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs - and accused war criminal - Ahmed Haroun, proudly announced that Asian and Arab relief organizations would fill any gaps in Darfur.

Easy come, easy go.

[Displaced persons outside of Kalma Camp in South Darfur - Photo from nrc_roald's photostream on flickr]

Michael Bear
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