Darfur and the DRC: "Who will be dead tomorrow?"

by Michelle . · 2008-10-29 18:06:00 UTC
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I tend to spend too much time in the realm of meta-politics. But the importance of discussion, study, or even merely passing interest in the topic of genocide is its impact on human beings--people "on the ground," living and often dying in situations of conflict and genocide.

New York Times columnist and dedicated human rights advocate Nicholas Kristof posted two blogs today featuring on-the-ground assessments from the DRC and Darfur.

From an aid worker in Goma:

"There is still no sign of CNDP or Rwandan troops in town. But when I drove back past the governor’s offices (Musée) the gates were open and there were no guards – it was deserted! Can no one stand up for their rights in this crazy country?"

And from an activist on Darfur:

"As I write this, Kassab camp (North Darfur) home to 25,000 unarmed civilians and the location of DPDO’s women’s center is under attack by Janjaweed forces. I spent time in the camp and know many people there. What do we do? Rebel forces are too distant and under-equipped to defend Kassab. UNAMID has only a small presence there. Who will be dead tomorrow?"

[Photo from the BBC: Many of the people have already been displaced by previous fighting and have now fled to Goma,capital of North Kivu province, from the Kibumba camp.]

Michelle . has been involved in various activist endeavors, including the Teach Against Genocide pilot campaigns.
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