Exhausted refugees were building ramshackle shelters in a dry river bed yesterday after 55,000 people fled a raid mounted by the Janjaweed militia in the Sudanese province of Darfur. It was the biggest movement of refugees there so far this year. The victims, many of whom have fled attacks twice or even three times before, are camped around the town of Menawashi in southern Darfur.They abandoned the nearby town of Mershing after two attacks from the pro-regime militia in the space of eight hours last Tuesday. The flight took place as President Omar al-Bashir was assuring 53 African leaders gathered for a summit in Khartoum of his desire for peace in Darfur.
Evidence suggests that Sudan's security forces colluded with the Arab raiders.
| Well of course they did, they're one and the same. |
As he fled, Mr Hassan heard a burst of automatic gunfire. He turned to see that his brother had been shot. "I went back and found him lying on the ground. There was a bullet in his back. He said, 'I know I am dying. I ask one thing, please take care of my family.' "
About 400 Janjaweed gunmen raided a refugee camp in Mershing, riding among the shelters, beating up or firing on anyone who crossed their path. They returned about eight hours later, attacking the town and looting the market.
Mershing's entire population of 55,000 fled the next morning to Menawashi, 10 miles away. Panic-stricken refugees stampeded, trampling to death about 13 infants. Another 220 children disappeared during the flight.
| A single compnay of Green Berets with logistical support could teach these 55K people to defend themselves. Rifles, ammo, hand-held radios, light machine guns, binoculars, food, uniforms, and simple infantry training. They wouldn't ever be at the level of western infantry, but they'd be good enough to kill sufficient numbers of Janjaweed to make the rest think about learning to become auto mechanics. |
| Because it's all about the oil. And the Master Race™. |