Internet lets people organize to end war
Governments have rarely been able to stop wars of aggression despite all their rhetoric. The people must take the initiative and act independently of their governments. An economic boycott against the targets that are believed to be fomenting war is one tactic that can be used but it must be widely supported. Religious groups and peace organizations have to work together to secure a large participation. The Internet allows them to communicate with each other and to set up a coordinating "council" to manage the boycott.
War in Sudan
The formation of this council will take time, and the war in the Sudan and especially in Darfur might end by the time it is ready to act. Here are some of the events now taking place. A Darfur Peace Agreement has been signed in 2006 between the Sudanese government and Darfur's largest rebel group, the SLM (Sudanese Liberation Movement). Since the agreement was signed, however, there has been widespread violence throughout the region. The International Criminal Court has indicted two key leaders alleged to be responsible for attacks on villages in west Darfur. Also on July 14, 2008, the court issued ten criminal charges against Sudan's President Bashir, accusing him of sponsoring war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court's investigation has been opposed by the Arab League, African Union, and even France. [1] At this posting, the arrest warrant has been issued but Bashir is defiantly ignoring it. It will be interesting to see whether anyone actually arrests him. The UN has the right to suspend the order for a year and meanwhile the atrocities can continue.
Sudan’s foreign trade
The most important Sudanese exports include petroleum products and agricultural produce. China is the most important importer accounting for nearly 70 percent of the trade. Japan and Saudi Arabia are other major importers. Malaysia is a heavy investor in Sudan's petroleum industry. [2] [3] In 1997 the US imposed a trade embargo against Sudan and a total asset freeze because it believed that the Sudanese government supported international terrorism, destabilized neighboring governments, and permitted human rights violations. [4] US companies are not able to invest in Sudan so it opens the door for China and Malaysia.
Role of China tourism
Besides trade, China has been supplying the Sudanese government with weapons and other military supplies which are then used in Darfur. We know this because materiel captured by the rebel armies in Darfur clearly bears the labels of Chinese manufacturers.[5]
What type of boycott would be effective? It cannot be against Sudan proper because the U.S. and many European countries do not trade with Sudan. Clearly China should be the target, but it is impossible to boycott China. Its products are in every type of goods that people use. I suggest that the boycott should be against tourism to China. China has made a great effort to attract foreign visitors. The recent Olympic Games in Beijing are an example. It needs the money that visitors spend because much of its exports are paid for with IOUs, not actual currency. People should stop visiting China until it ceases to support the present Sudanese regime and uses its tremendous influence to promote peaceful negotiation between the various factions. This will send an immediate and powerful message that the world wants China to respect human rights. If religious organizations and peace groups would cooperate in organizing this boycott it could end the genocide in months, far quicker than any government sponsored resolution or treaty. Then tourism can resume. In the meantime there are many other interesting places for people to visit.
Action
I welcome discussion of this proposal or of any other ideas that people may have. In the meantime it is important for this message to receive wide attention. Please send out the address of this blog to people on your correspondence list and the idea will spread around the world.
References
1. Wikipedia. This source seems to be biased or edited in favor of Sudan because it contains no mention whatever of the role that China is playing in the economic development of Sudan or in this war.
2. China and Sudan Fact Sheet. Good reference.
3. The Economy of Sudan’s Oil Industry. PDF file.
4. U.S. Executive Order 13067.
5. A BBC article – proof that China is supplying the Sudanese army after an arms embargo was issued by the UN.
