Congressional Record Statement of Senator Russ Feingold
On the Darfur Peace Agreement and the Need for More Action
May 10, 2006
Mr. President, I join the American public and the international community
in congratulating the signatories of the recent peace agreement signed
in Abuja, Nigeria on May 5th, 2006. I hope that this peace agreement
marks a dramatic turning point in bringing about a solution to the genocidal
conflict that has ravaged the Darfur region of Sudan. The Administration
deserves to be commended for getting the Sudanese government and the
Sudan Liberation Army to the table and for maintaining a commitment
to completing this peace process. This does not mean, however, that
we or the international community can return to complacency, satisfied
that we have done our part. Quite the contrary.
At this point, it is essential that the peace agreement be expanded
to include those parties that have not yet signed. Those without a stake
in the current political power and wealth sharing agreements will have
few incentives to help build peace in the region, and will most likely
be spoilers to the peace agreement. These parties must be encouraged
to join and abide by the accord. Additionally, it is critical that the
international community, working with the African Union, the United
Nations, and regional partners, develop a comprehensive strategy to
ensure that the peace agreement is implemented and adhered to by both
the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Liberation Army. The Darfur region
is facing an extremely fragile period. Now is the time to show international
resolve for quelling the remaining instability throughout the region
and for kick-starting all of the elements of the peace agreement. We
must also move quickly to institute and strengthen mechanisms and systems
to ensure that the parties to not backslide in to full-scale conflict.
In addition, we must strengthen the peacekeeping capabilities of the
African Union and ensure that it has the capacity to help monitor and
enforce the peace agreement. The African Union has worked hard to execute
its broad and far-reaching mandate with limited resources and experience,
and it will need support to be a contributor to establishing a lasting
peace in the region. We must also work to introduce a United Nations
peacekeeping mission into the region as quickly as possible. I applaud
President Bush’s decision to send Secretary Rice to the United
Nations to seek a resolution authorizing a UN peacekeeping force in
Darfur. I supported the recent amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 emergency
supplemental appropriations bill adding $60 million to fund a UN peacekeeping
force in Darfur, matching similar legislation in the House. With this
clear message of support from the U.S. Congress, it is now up to the
Administration to work with our friends and allies at the UN to reach
agreement on a resolution authorizing a peacekeeping force, and exert
robust diplomatic pressure on those who would try to block it.
We must not forget the massive humanitarian tragedy that is still unfolding.
Even as the peace deal was being finalized, the UN World Food Program
(WFP) announced that it would have to cut rations by over 50 percent
in Darfur beginning in May. Many of the over 2 million refugees who
have been forced from their homes and their livelihood are on the brink
of starvation, and this already massive tragedy could yet take an even
more devastating turn. Systematic gender-based violence against women
and girls continues unabated and basic safety and security continue
to be denied to Darfurians. Humanitarian organizations trying to work
in the region face increasing difficulties in fulfilling their mission,
and safe areas have diminished to unprecedented levels. The situation,
in short, remains disastrous and the lives and well-being of millions
hang in the balance. If anything, we must increase our efforts to protect
the region’s most vulnerable, and to support Darfurians in this
fragile period. Failure to do so could have a negative impact on the
peace agreement.
Looking ahead to the implementation of the peace agreement and to establishing
peace in the region, it will be critically important to address the
crimes against humanity that have been committed, and to take a stand
against the cycle of impunity and injustice that we have seen occur
over the last three years. Those who commit crimes against humanity
must know that the world is watching, and that they will be held accountable
for their actions.
In conclusion, Mr. President, we have reasons to be optimistic. We
must not ignore, however, the fact that now the hard work begins.
I yield the floor.
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