The United States today condemned the Government of Sudan for expelling international humanitarian organizations from Sudan.
The US says these humanitarian organizations provide critical humanitarian assistance to millions of Sudanese, and their forced departure immediately and seriously threatens the lives and well-being of displaced populations.
The State Department release stated “The United States fully supports the work of humanitarian aid organizations in Sudan and the need for them to continue their life-saving work unobstructed. We call on the GOS to allow these organizations to continue their operations and provide the necessary humanitarian space for them to do so.”
In expelling the organizations that provide aid to the displaced civilians, the Sudanese government shows it attaches zero value to human life. Their action will result in a further deaths throughout Sudan.
The press release, rather than talking about civilian deaths, and warning Sudan that it should change its action forthwith, prefers to use the less threatening, less actionable, completely wimpish phrase, “humanitarian situation.”
This message from the US shows two things.
First, it shows that the US and UN have no power to influence violent dictators or prevent violent actions around the world. The violence witnessed in places like Rwanda, which the world powers vowed never to allow again, continues unabated in Sudan and all the world powers can do is issue another watered-down statement which is easily ignored.
Second, it shows a complete lack of will to do something about the situation in Sudan, which has been going on now for many years. The US just ordered another 17,000 combat troops into Afghanistan, yet Sudan receives only a weak-sounding press release that offers no carrots, no sticks, not even a slap on the wrist.
So much for the “Superpower” label. I am appalled to think this is the “Change” and the new world leadership that was expected. The anti-war peace activists must be really proud of themselves right now.
