Darfur Leaders Network

Last year Presidential Candidate Obama stated: "…There must be real pressure placed on the Sudanese government. We know from past experience that it will take a great deal to get them to do the right thing. The United States, along with the UN, must take immediate steps to halt this dire situation.”

Darfur Leaders Network (DLN) applauds Obama's statement above and decries the Gration’s approach of carrots but no stick towards Sudan in relation to Darfur. Darfur Leaders network believes that using carrots instead of sticks (incentives instead of penalties) could provide no push Sudan government needs to resolve thorny issues that have stalled Darfur’s peace deal and stop the suffering of Darfur people. DLN believes that Gration’s strategy of engagement must be one of much stronger pressure and with more punitive actions than we have ever seen so far. Simply dangling carrots is not enough to provide any kind of traction with the Sudan government and history backs this point. This approach sent the wrong signal to Sudan government to remain more defiant and continue its delaying tactics in resolving humanitarian, security and political issues. It is unfortunate to reward this regime and Darfur continues to burn.