Reparations and the Solution to the Crisis in Darfur

We have been watching for way too long, the demise of our brothers and sisters in Sudan's Darfur region. We must do something to take charge of the situation before it worsens.

I will say I agree with the Sudanese Government in principle on this point: this situation should be resolved by African people. Thus far, it has been expected that we - Africans - would fail to meet the challange. Some would say that those benefitting from the crisis in Darfur are hoping for this failure.

So, how do we make this hope false? How do we, as African people, rise to the challange? And, what - pray tell - does Reparations have to do with the crisis in Darfur?

Again, to the nationalist Reparations is easiest explained to mean: "repair nations." No one can deny that Sudan needs repair. But, to the nationalist, for this repair to come from forces external to ourselves are more a detriment to our well being than a benefit.

We have two main obstacles to overcome in this situation: 1) the need for highly trained forces to keep the peace, and 2) funding to support and sustain the mission to Darfur, properly equipping the forces and funding the necessary initiatives. So, how can Reparations provide the solution?

God, in His Providence has blessed us with the means by which to overcome these obstacles. Through the evil of slavery and colonialism we now have Africans with high levels of military training. We also have a great deal of affluent Africans who have profitted in the land of their enslavers and colonizers.

So, why do we need a UN mission? I, as the Sudanese Government, believe that no UN force should touch African soil. Yet I, as most of the world, believe we must do something quickly to stop the violence. Reparations says that we as African people can stop the violence in Darfur without the use of European forces.

What's to stop us from devising a program that would allow ROTC Graduates and discharged Africans from Western forces, to enlist in the African Union force? What's to stop us from asking former Secretary of State, and former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell from commanding such a force under the banner of the African Union? What would stop us from forming a fund into which Africans in the West could donate money for the support of the African Union?

We (African people) can solve this situation in a way that would be beneficial to all concerned. The Government of Sudan does not wish to see any non-African forces on their soil. The African Union needs a highly trained military/peacekeeping force. Both sides need funding to support their mission and development in the region. All we need now is for the Sudanese Government and the African Union to agree to such a solution. Such a solution would prevent the UN from executing its thoughts of invading Sudan. Such a solution would provide African people worldwide with a sense of hope that we are capable of solving our own problems. As African people, this should be our push and our battle cry. "Up you mighty race, you can accomplish what you will!"