Tents of Hope

Darfur activists pitch tents to influence Washington, the following includes excerpts from an article published in the Sudan Tribune, written by Daniel Van Oudenaren.

November 10, 2008 (WASHINGTON) – Activists set up some 350 tents of hope on the national mall in front of the United States Capitol building this weekend, hoping to reenergize the U.S. Darfur movement and influence the president-elect.

It seems that this hope is alive for many of us. The hope that we can energize the efforts of the United States and our President to act on behalf of the people of this region.

Each of the tents was sent by a community somewhere in the United States, representing approximately 350 cities in 48 states.

As the article continues Mr Van Oudenaren goes on to provide expectations of those demonstrating:

.... benchmarks will include whether or not the UNAMID peacekeeping force receives the equipment that it has thus far been denied, such as transport and attack helicopters...

Today in Darfur

"...Nigerian peacekeepers were ambushed in West Darfur, wounding a peacekeeper, and on the same day attackers shot at a humanitarian vehicle, wounding the driver.... the Nigerian Protection Force Company stationed at the Geneina Super Camp in West Darfur was ambushed by a group of unknown men armed with Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and AK-47 assault rifles

These are the UNAMID Peacekeeping forces that need the support - this is part of why the Tents of Hope are trying to draw in this nations attention.

...Later in the day a vehicle belonging to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees was attacked in Zalingei, West Darfur...

This crisis will not let up without pressure from the international community. Add your voice, talk about this at home, at your church, in your community, on your blog. Write letters to your government officials, let them know that we must support the efforts and the needs of the UN Peacekeeping forces.



You have been given a voice, use it. Go out and SCREAM! about something you care about.

Darfur, activists, Sudan Tribune, Sudan, Tents of Hope, Peace Tents, peacekeepers, UNAMID