Sudan: Water-borne peace in Darfur

A natural underground reservoir has been found in Darfur. The remnants of an ancient lake which is laying hidden, is about the size of Massachusetts. Spotted from space by satellites, it’s thought that the water will help stabalise the region.

Mentioned in MSNBC, it’s a nice story and certainly gives a little hope to the war-torn area.

But to suggest that the violence meted out by the Janjaweed is due to lack of water, neglects the issue of oil and Arab vs African racism.

If anything, with the Janjaweed’s natural lands from the North being gradually encroached on by the Sahara, the offer of irrigated pasture land in Darfur is likely to increase their eagerness to drive the Darfurians out.

For an idea of what’s going on in Sudan, read my interview with Nick Clooney

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