Rebels, Refugees, & Resistance in Darfur

Rebels, Refugees, & Resistance in Darfur: Presentations and Discussion about the Ongoing Genocide

Although the conflict has been raging for many years, September 7 marks the two-year anniversary of the declaration of genocide in Darfur by the U.S. Congress. Fault Lines and Indybay are marking this event by hosting an evening dedicated to telling the story behind the headlines and spreading awareness of how Bay Area activists are fighting to end the devastation in Sudan. You’ll hear the perspective of a Sudanese national, hear a reportback and see photos of the current situation on the ground in Darfur and refugee camps in Chad, and hopefully feel compelled to join the global cry to “Stop the genocide now!”

When: 8pm (sharp), THURSDAY September 7th
Where: Station 40, 3030 B 16th St (at Mission St, across from BART)

To date, in this first genocide of the 21st century, 400,000 people have died, approximately 80% of the villages of Darfur have been decimated, and at least 3 million people have been displaced. Due to numerous complex factors, the situation has deteriorated since the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement in May 2006. A steady escalation of violence has led to increased obstacles for humanitarian relief in Sudan. As conditions worsen and the number of deaths rise—estimated conservatively at 500 per day—the world community’s failure to take effective action continues.

Join us for presentations and discussions featuring:

Silvestro Akara Bakhiet, Chair, San Francisco Bay Area Darfur
Coalition will speak about the importance of UN multinational
peacekeeping troops with NATO backup in Darfur. (http://www.darfursf.org)

Martina Knee, Coordinator, Dear Sudan, Love San Francisco, will speak about
grassroots activism and advocacy for Darfur. (http://www.darfursf.org)

Shane Bauer is an independent journalist, photographer, and radical activist who recently returned from the refugee camps in Chad and rebel territory in Darfur. He will show photos and talk about the genocide and resistance in Darfur and explain how the crisis is spreading into East Chad, focusing on the much-neglected rebellion in Darfur and the thoughts and feelings of refugees in Chad. He published articles about the conflict with al Jazeera and Fault Lines. Read his Fault Lines feature here:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/08/24/18300382.php

Jason Miller, Sudan Divestment Task Force, will discuss ways people can get involved in this "divestment" movement. While economic investment in a country is generally critical for eradication of poverty, a small subset of companies doing business in
Sudan are indirectly helping the government perpetuate genocide. Because
American universities, cities, states, institutions, and individuals own
stock in these companies, we have the power to change company behavior
which, in turn, is likely to change Khartoum's behavior. (http://www.sudandivestment.org)

Following the event, everyone is encouraged to “Shine a light for Darfur” at a candlelight vigil that will take place at the 16th and Mission BART station. This event is part of 10 Darfur Days of Action worldwide.

Price: $3-10 suggested donation, no one turned away