Darfur Genocide in 2003-2011/ 'The New Sudan' Movie / Referendum, South Sudan - Independent State

In 2004-5 during my college days at Bates College, I coordinated a student vs. faculty basketball fundraiser to help raise awareness about the genocide that was taking place in Darfur, a region of Sudan, Africa. The event went well, and all proceeds were sent to a Darfur genocide relief organization. But despite my efforts as well as so many others across the United States and the rest of the world, the peoples cry for support was not meet. At least not for awhile. Now this was back in 2004 when I knew about this genocide taking place, however I don't think it was legally declared a genocide at the time... but anyone who knew about it, knew it was genocide.

At the beginning of this year (so about 6 years after I put on that fundraiser) a referendum took place in South Sudan on whether they would continue to be apart of the Sudan that has been, or to divide and become South Sudan. The results came in with an overwhelming  number of votes in favor of separating and becoming independent. So as of now, the set date for South Sudan's Independence (creating of an independent) state is July 9th 2011.

Now you might think everything is all good now that South Sudan is going to become their own independent country... well unfortunately thats not the case.


Since about 2003/4 an estimated 300,000 people have died and more than two million were forced to leave their homes, according to the United Nations. Meanwhile the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said the deaths are closer to 10,000-15,000. Ummm big difference. Now the problem is that tension is breaking out in Abyei. Basically Abyei is a town that's full of oil that falls right on the boarder line, and the south and the north clearly both want it. Voting to decide what would happen with Abyei was supposed to happen last month but the tension and violence that lead to 70 people getting killed, postponed the voting indefinitely.

So the people of South Sudan have a long way to go before they are truly comfortable and in a good position. The country has to literally start from the beginning... check that, the country will have to dig out of the hole it's currently stuck in before it can really make progress towards a free and independent state. If your interested in learning more about this you can check out this documentary I stumbled across called 'The New Sudan'. It's what I just tried to say but more clear and from the Sudanese people themselves. A well shot and documented film, this is one of my favorite documentaries released this year. 'The New Sudan' directed by Coury Deeb.

Here's a 30 minute short version for you to check out if you don't want to watch the full thing. And if you really want to show support to this part of Africa, you can donate some money to RED CROSS.