Ethnic Conflicts- Sudan

Ethnic Conflicts- in Sudan History of Religious Influence in the Region Nubia was converted to Christianity in the 6th Century. Islam begins to enter the north in the 7th Century Islam takes hold in the south in the 15th Century. Sudan is the size of the US from the Mississippi River to the east coast

Ethnic Conflicts- in Sudan The British division of the Sudan Ignored Tribal Boundaries, and Religious Differences. British Withdrawal Favored Arab Sudanese, and set the Stage for Civil War which has lasted for fifty years. Conflict between Arab Muslims and Black Muslims has led to genocide in Darfur and a refugee crisis. Janjaweed militia attacked Black Muslims in retaliation for the Black Muslim attacks against the government.

Ethnic Conflicts- in Sudan 2.5 Million Die in 22 years 6.0 Million Displaced 1987 Intensive destruction of villages in southern Sudan. Children, girls and women taken as slaves; Lost Boys flee

Ethnic Conflicts- in Sudan The Diaspora Four Million internally displaced Two Million external refugees

The Lost Boys Survive to Tell the Story Ethnic Conflicts- in Sudan The Lost Boys Survive to Tell the Story 1987 – Khartoum Government begins major campaign to destroy the South. Tens of thousands of boys (and some girls), ages 6-10 flee to Ethiopia. Thousands die on the way Settled in refugee camps and begin some level of education

Ethnic Conflicts- in Sudan 1987 – 1992 Ethiopia Refugee Camp 1991 – Khartoum pays Ethiopia to capture the Lost Boys The Lost Boys flee back into Sudan They are pursued and attacked by the Muslim North and eventually flee to Kenya for safety

Video Clip Click here for a 5-minute video clip that briefly describes life as a refugee http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/movies/god-grew-tired/from-sudan-ggtu.html

Ethnic Conflicts- in Sudan There are Thousands of Widows and Orphans who have no clothes or homes to sleep in, or schools to go to… 90% of Sudan is Illiterate There are no medical services in most of the villages