The world’s attention has been focused in a remote corner in Sudan for the last few years, as yet another tragedy unfolded. The scenario is the same whenever catastrophic man-made humanitarian strife boils over; International humanitarian organizations jostle to be seen to be doing something for the poor folks. Logo-emblazoned trucks – hired at exorbitant prices – hit the dirt tracks behind expensive 4x4s manned by equally highly paid ‘aid workers’. These good Samaritans are very good captors of dark, emotion-raising images with their cameras which are splashed the next day on their websites to raise funds. Aid workers are, in most cases, better equipped than the people who help guarantee their safety; peacekeepers. Now Rwanda’s peacekeeping mission in Darfur has been given a much needed shot in the arm by the US government in recognition of Rwanda’s sacrifice and dedication to make the world a safer place. It has long been said that the UNAMID mission is both under-equipped and understaffed in its quest to silence the guns and bring back hope and tears of joy to the residents in the region. Rwanda is better placed to understand the plight and dangers faced by the people of Darfur because memories of being abandoned by the world are still fresh. That is why, despite its modest equipment, it was among the first to volunteer to send peacekeepers to the volatile region. The expectations of the people of Darfur had at first risen on the arrival of the peace keepers, but the absence of the promised troops and equipment (many who pledged have not honoured) quickly doused their spirits. Now there is more reason to light the candle of hope once again. Ends
