The work in Nigeria is being done under Baroness Caroline Cox's leadership with local on the ground partners. This is the work that HART-US wants to leverage support for and to assist in bringing awareness to through its US partners.

Background

The Republic of Sudan gained independence from the UK in 1956. For all but 12 of the 53 years since independence the country has been engulfed in a civil war between the mainly Arab Muslin north and the predominantly African Animist and Christian south. An estimated 2 million have died as a result of the war following the seizure of power by the National Islamic Front regime in 1989, man-made famine and disease. Over 4 million have been displaced. The cost of war has turned Sudan into one of the poorest countries in the world with most living on less than $1 a day.

Despite talks aimed at ending the conflict, held in Kenya in 2003 and 2004, and the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in July 2005, the resurgence in the western region of Darfur has intensified. This ongoing conflict has been described by the U.N as one of the worst humanitarian disasters worldwide. A further 1.2 million people have been affected: at least 750,000 are believed to be displaced within Darfur and over 100,000 people have fled to Chad.

Our priority is to work in locations generally neglected by international aid organizations. Southern Sudan is one such region that continues to suffer devastation. In 2007 only 13% of Southern Sudan had an Immunisation Programme (EPI) - increasing to 19% in 2008- and there were only 20 secondary schools serving this vast region. With the media and major aid organizations focusing on Darfur, many of the victims of the war in Southern Sudan are largely left forgotten.

The failure of Khartoum to fulfill some of the CPA requirements has undermined confidence in its commitment to peace. The episodic outbreaks of violence instigated by ‘militias’, cause tension among civilian populations and the lack of confidence in security diminishes commitment to reconstruction programs for local people and the resettlement of returnees.

There is a concern that powerful nations and organizations are putting pressure on the South to opt for a ‘United Sudan’ in the 2011 referendum required by the CPA. Many feel that unity has only caused suffering, war and discrimination and they should be free to choose the option of secession, without pressure. Their choice and self-determination, including that of Abyie, must be respected by the International community. Involvement by the International community is essential to guarantee fair elections and the Referendum does happen.

One of the reasons why secession may be preferred is the history of aggression and racism practiced by Arab, Muslim northerners against the African southerners. The perception that separation may be essential to maintain African identity and culture is frequently cited as a reason for possible secession. There is no hatred of Arabs and Muslims but it is felt the succession may be necessary for African identity and freedom of religion (including freedom from Sharia Law) to be ensured.

In addition, the area still suffers from insecurity due to the activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), which has been causing destruction in its war against the Ugandan government and with its policies of killing, rape, torture and the systematic abduction of children. The LRA was responsible for widespread death and destruction during a 20-year war, until Peace Talks brokered by Southern Sudan brought some respite. During the war, 500,000 people perished, 95% of local people were driven into overcrowded camps and at least 25,000 children were abducted and forced to become child soldiers. Khartoum was manifestly complicit, allowing some of the training camps where the children were brutalized and trained as child soldiers to be held in NIF-controlled areas in Southern Sudan. In recent weeks the LRA has renewed its activities, causing serious security issues in northern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and southern Sudan.