UN: 10,000 People Dying Monthly in Darfur

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Darfur Representative, David Nabarro, described what was happening in the region as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world and added that aid was insufficient. The United Nations (UN) is reportedly undergoing financial troubles and may suspend humanitarian aid operations. While the US defines the events in the region as genocide, Sudan indicates that years of tribal conflict in the region and famine were the real causes of the deaths. Sudan claims that the West is interested in the natural resources in the region rather than the people and that it is trying to divide the country. Leaders in Libya, Egypt, Sudan and Chad are meeting in Libya today regarding a possible solution. The next round of discussions among the five leaders will be held on October 21st. The first round of discussions was held in Nigeria. Libya was selected despite the fact that the neighboring country of Sudan provides better security for the delegates of western countries. Chad and Libya in particular have been playing an important role in resolving the crisis in Darfur, although both countries are accused of arming some of the tribes in Darfur. It is expected that the first team of 4,500 people from the Africa Union Peace Force will be sent to the region today.