Famine in the Sudan
by Cathleen Mitchell
There is a long history of famine in the Sudan. In 1988, the
famine came to the world's attention, and it was suppressed to some
degree. However, in 1998, the problem arose again, with even more
vengence, and has not yet been quelled.
The victims of the famine are particulary the Dinkas of the
southern Sudan.
The famine was caused, in part, by a drought brought on by El
Nino. And,while this was certainly a natural cause, the drought would
not have spun out of control into a famine of the scale now seen in
the Sudan without help from individuals within the Sudan. There are
four specific groups responsible for the famine. First, a group of
government-aligned militias has been attacking civilians and stealing
cattle. Second, the government army assisted these militias, and
isolated certain towns creating an artificial lack of food. Third,
traders connected with the military assisted in causing the famine by
creating artificial scarcities in certain areas. Fourth, the SPLA
assisted by seizing towns, blocking relief efforts, and raiding and
looting villages.
The famine in Sudan is particularly tragic because not only could
it have been prevented, but it was in fact, used as a political tool.
The Sudanese governement encouraged these groups and allowed them to
create the famine and maintain it. The famine is intrinsically
related to the civil war which has plagued the Sudan for
decades.
There are many relief efforts currently underway. It is a
difficult situation, however, due to the role of the government, and
the fact that the famine is, for the most part, man made.
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