Open letter from CSOs to AU heads of state on Darfur

We, the representatives of the undersigned civil society organisations from Darfur, are honoured to address your august assembly on the occasion of its 9th Ordinary Session. This session comes at a historic moment when Africa celebrates the golden jubilee of Ghana’s independence as the first nation in sub-Saharan Africa to break its colonial shackles. However, despite Africa’s remarkable achievement in defeating colonialism, the continent still faces serious challenges that need to be addressed with the same resolve and vigour. An example in point is the catastrophic human rights and humanitarian situation in Darfur (Sudan). Africa is commendable for its ongoing efforts to end this unacceptable situation by African means and through the deployment of a joint AU and UN hybrid peacekeeping force in the region. In this regard we wish to pay homage to all African soldiers that have sacrificed their lives in an attempt to protect their brothers and sisters especially the most vulnerable women and children in Darfur.