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Sudan: Send a letter to Congress

Ideas for letter writing campaigns

Each of the four themed handouts correspond to one of the four “asks” of the Waging Peace in Sudan campaign. You can use these handouts in several ways:

  • As bulletin inserts or posters to advertise the campaign
  • To send with letters to Congressional offices as an eye-catching device
  • To use as monthly or quarterly themes in your advocacy campaign
     

For example, for the first quarter of the year, your congregation could start with the theme, “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword.” You could use the corresponding posters and bulletin inserts to advertise the theme. For an advocacy activity, youth and/or adults could decorate pens to send to Congress along with letters (the letters should include all asks, not just the one corresponding to the theme). Below are additional ideas for each of the themes.

Sample letter

Click here to send a letter!

Dear [ Member of Congress / President Obama / Secretary Clinton ],

I am writing out of concern for the people of Darfur and South Sudan. The continuing ethnic and political conflict in Darfur has claimed hundreds of thousands of civilian lives and millions have been displaced. As the violence continues, the people of Darfur are crying out for justice.

It has been more than five years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Sudanese government, ending one of Africa’s deadliest and longest running civil wars. The situation in the South is still extremely fragile and must be monitored. Many longing to return home are unable due to the lack of resources and opportunities.

It is important to look at Sudan as a whole and understand that the conflicts in Darfur and in the South are connected and have a common origin. The U.S. government can respond to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and safeguard the CPA in southern Sudan if it acts in the following ways:

Increase diplomatic support for CPA implementation

  • U.S. engagement is needed to hold the NCP (National Congress Party) and the SPLM (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement) accountable in their respective roles for implementation of the CPA, and to resolve issues related to oil revenue sharing, and North-South boundary determination.
  • Increased U.S. diplomatic support is needed to support the peace talks between the LRA and Ugandan officials in Juba, as the resumption of violence from this conflict is a strong threat to the success of the CPA.
     

Increase funding for urgent recovery programs so refugees can return home

  • Refugees in the South want to return to their homes, but they need access to clean water, schools, healthcare, and sanitation. More funds are needed for basic services and infrastructure.
  • Improvements are needed in the way the World Bank-managed Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) disburses money for recovery assistance – the fund has thus far disbursed only $80 million of the $500 million promised.
     

Build coalitions

  • The US can be most effective acting as part of a strong coalition of countries working to bring an end to the conflict in Darfur. Such a coalition can put pressure on the Government of Sudan, work to bring rebel groups to the negotiating table, and influence other parties (such as China) with strong interests in Sudan.
     

Support AU / UN policing to protect refugees and aid workers

  • The U.S. must support AU/UN (African Union/United Nations) efforts to protect internally displaced persons in the refugee camps, as well as aid workers, by peaceful means. This should include sufficient financial support, technical support, personnel, and monitoring for activities under a UN Chapter VI mandate (i.e., in a protection role).
     

I pray that justice and peace will soon come to those who suffer in Sudan.

Sincerely,