Social and Cultural Anthropologist and contributor Scherin Barlow-Massay
Community news. The atrocities in Darfur highlights Arabic hatred towards dark skinned Afrikans. In October 1987 the following letter was sent to the then Sudanese Prime Minister, Sadiq Al Mahid:
‘In the 15th Century. This ethnic group though divided into a number of tribes is in reality one and the same origin. The said tribes settled in two areas of Darfur. The first area is situated in South Darfur province and comprises 80% of the province area. The second area is situated in the north, south, west and east of North Darfur province and comprises 55% of the area of the province; the Arab tribes represent more than 70% of the total of Darfur population. Since their settlement in and through out the centuries, the Arab tribes have played a predominant role in shaping the identity and character of Darfur. The Arabs in this part of the homeland are the makers of civilisation whether in the sphere of government, religion or language. The Arabs have played an important part in the evolution of as it is known today. They were part and parcel of the Mahdia Revolt and they fought in defence of it to the finish.
They have participated in the economic development, political stability and social progress not only of Darfur, but the whole of. For all this we would like to emphasise our relentless adherence to the unity of the country and that we totally reject all acts that lead to disunity and friction.
Mr Prime Minister, students of the systems of government in the world come up with a number of definitions of regional government. However, these definitions indicate that in order to achieve regional government it is important to move from centralisation to decentralisation with the arm of effective economic political and administrative reforms in the state structure. Regional government further means that the administration of each region should be placed in the hands of the sons of that region. If the above is a true understanding of regional government then we Arabs feel that we are deprived of true representation in the leadership of Darfur region and that we have become a majority without weight and subjects, not citizens. The following facts should be taken into consideration:
1. The Arabs represent 70% of the population of Darfur region.
2. The educated Arabs represent 40% of all educated Darfurians of whom thousands are university graduates and hundreds are MA and PHD holders, in all specialities.
3. The participation of Darfur Arab is not less than 15% of the Sudan GDP.
4. The Arabs contribute about 90% of total government revenue in Darfur
5. The Arabs are over represented in the army and sacrifice their sons to defend the country.
6. The Arabs had 14 MPs in Parliament in Khartoum.
Photo courtesy www.moroccoworldnews.com
Mr Prime Minister, the above goes to reveal the political, economic and social predominance of the Arab tribes in Darfur. Consequentially we request to be represented by 50% of all government constitutional posts in the region and a similar percentage of central government posts.
Mr Prime Minister, should the negligence of the Arab race continue and should the Arabs not be allowed their fair share in government, we are afraid that things may get out of the hands of wise people and revert to the ignorant people and mob. Then a catastrophe with dire consequence, may take place.
In conclusion, we would like to confirm our faith in the countries unity. All that we are asking is for justice and equality. Long live under the banners of freedom and democracy.’
Committee of the Arab (Translated from the Arabic original)
http://www.aegistrust.org/index.php/Darfur-documents/arab-gathering-letter-1987.html
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