Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Save Darfur: "There is a dire crisis in Darfur. Only bold leadership from President Obama will end it"

Email just received from Save Darfur Coalition:
Dear friend,

"A big lie."

That's what Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations calls a U.N. report that there are "over 1 million people at life-threatening risk" due to the government of Sudan's decision to expel aid groups.

But we know the truth: there is a dire crisis in Darfur. Only bold leadership from President Obama will end it. And only we can ensure our president acts.

Add your name to our citizen open letter to President Obama.

Abdalmahmoud Abdalhaleem, the Sudanese Ambassador to the United Nations, went even further in his recent comments, declaring that "everything is positive" in Darfur. Everything is positive??

With the expulsion of 16 aid organizations and the rainy season in Darfur about to begin, millions of refugees are at growing risk of potentially epidemic disease. Clean water is growing scarce, and lack of medical treatment and sanitation services means diseases like meningitis and cholera are poised to spread through displaced-persons camps.

I'm the Save Darfur Coalition's Senior Director of Campaign Advocacy. It's my job day in and day out to make sure we're putting as much pressure as possible on world leaders to end the genocide in Darfur.

That's the idea behind our citizen open letter to President Obama. We're outlining a tough agenda for the president to follow—one that gives the Sudanese government a choice: restore aid, end the genocide, and resume peace negotiations, or face a range of consequences from international isolation to increased multilateral economic sanctions.

But we realize that a letter with our names on it isn't enough. With no time to lose, we have to get the entire constituency of conscience involved.


Make sure President Obama hears the voices of citizens calling for action. Sign the letter today!

In 2006, I attended the Save Darfur rally on the National Mall and was inspired by the courage and commitment of everyone around me.

It's one of the reasons I joined the Save Darfur Coalition—and the reason I know you will act today. Thank you for all that you do.

—Mark

Mark Lotwis
Save Darfur Coalition

It's been over 2 months since Sudan expelled vital aid groups from the country.

Bold, agenda-setting leadership can't wait another day.

Sign the citizen open letter to President Obama now.

Donate to Help Save Darfur
Help build the political pressure needed to end the crisis in Darfur by supporting the Save Darfur Coalition's crucial awareness and advocacy programs. Click here now to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation.

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