The Series: Jay's Hunger Strike for Darfur, Part 4

Today we are going to take a trip halfway across the world to Darfur, Sudan. What is life like for these people? Is there any help? What are people doing? These are a few of the many questions that will be answered today.

I have asked Jay many questions about the conditions. What he may have missed, I may be able to help. Either way, I hope you take away from this series an education not only why Jay is on a hunger strike, but why these people need our help...now.

The bold type will be my questions, and the plain type will his answers. Here are Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Here we go.

Good afternoon Mr. Jay McGinley. How are you doing today? I am feeling very tired, but my spirits are high. That keeps me going. Would you like to continue, or would you prefer to wait? I'm ready to move forward. My family in Darfur has no rest, and they cannot afford for me to rest. Good answer. Let us begin.

11. Is the African Union (AU) able to protect an area the size of France withonly 7000 men?
The most conservative estimates are 20,000[-30,000] troops with a Chapter 7 mandate to use force. Sudan Reeves has the most authoritative analysis. Eric Reeves is a Smith College professor dying of cancer. He has mortgaged his house so he can afford to spend what days and months he has left keeping Darfur on the world stage through his authoritative studies and articles.

12. Do you think the UN is helping, hurting, or remaining neutral on Darfur? Please explain.
There is no UN. Actually, there is no US Government in Washington. There is only we the people of the world and the United States. I am trying to be neither cute, trite nor mystical in this response. We the people of the world are the government, whether or not we are in a democracy. This was Gandhi's great genius. If the people exert their will with enough resolution the Government must follow.

The streets of the world are empty of people delivering their unmistakable mandate to their officials to see that 20-30,000 UN peacekeepers be put on the ground in Darfur with a Chapter 7 mandate (ability to use force) NOW.

The UN is not the problem. "We the people" are both the problem, and we are the solution. Now, having said that, China and Russia are problems. They both have preferential relationships regarding Sudanese oil, and they are worried that UN intervention could cause sanctions that would get in the way of their profits. We have to do a better job of convincing them that genocide is unacceptable.

13. Is the AU allowed to use force against the Janjaweed militia of the Islamic government?
The AU has no authority to use force. They are window dressing to enable the neglect of we brothers and sisters around the world.

14. What religion are the Black Darfurians?
The 3,000,000 in Southern Sudan that were exterminated by el Bashir were non-Arab Christians. But he is an equal opportunity butcher. In Darfur they are Muslums like him, but the fact that they are non-Arabs makes them fair game.

15. What is your opinion of this new peace deal that only the SLA signed on to?
As it stands it is entirely inadequate. If it is not enhanced to better represent the needs of the Darfur people (not just the war lords who are themselves as evil as Bashir) it is a time killer. However it can be enhanced and if so done, and then enforced it will be a benefit.

16. How much area does the leader of the Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA) control?
Minni Minnawi, who with his entourage came to meet with me two days ago, represents 4% of the Darfuries, but as much of 80% of the rebel fighting force.

17. Why did the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD) refuse to sign on to the peace deal?
The two that did not sign on had selfish reasons, but the truly selfish leader was Minnawi I fear. He cut the deal for himself. The others saw that it was profoundly unjust and inadequate for their people. Too little protection. Too little of the country's oil wealth. Too little representation.

18. How many Armies are in Darfur? How much terrority do they control?
The armies control little if any territory, if you mean the so called rebel armies. I think there were three Minnawi's SLA remains separate, and the other 2 have merged. I think the other two may, may more truly represent the masses.The Janjaweed is the only one truly in control of territory all of it.

19. Is there any fighting between these Armies?
Yes, there is constant fighting for territory and influence, largely so that the "leaders" can have wealth and power when the dust settles. There are no good guys that I can see. Only innocent, totally abandoned victims.

Editor's note: I understand there is much to take in and grasp. I also realize that I may not have placed the questions and answers in the best, logical way. Aside from that, please let me know if you have any questions.

Jay had a press release today! You will find it here. Thank you, and have a great day.

Category: Darfur, Sudan, News, Terrorism, Human Rights, The UN, Jay and Freedom.