Commentary: The role of race in Sudan

More than 70,000 black Sudanese have been killed and 1.6 million others displaced in Darfur by lighter-skinned, government-supported Arab militiamen, called Janjaweed, or "devils on horseback."

The gist of my answer to the student was that human suffering should transcend color or race as well as geographic or economic circumstances. Yet, here was a white kid asking a black woman about the absence of worldly benevolence. I pondered his implication that more whites aren't outraged over crimes against humanity because they involve Africans killing other Africans.

Gosh, I hope not.

I would shed tears if innocents were being slaughtered in any part of the world. But in Darfur, one race is being granted governmental carte blanche to extinguish citizens deemed unfit to live in their own country. This unfolding tragedy is the responsibility not only of black Africa, but also the world.

A United Nations Security Council meeting next week in Kenya offers President Bush and other leaders a chance to put forth an aggressive approach to dealing with this situation. This week, a new peace pact was signed in Nigeria to end the bloodshed and guarantee access for humanitarian groups. But the deal comes in the wake of an April cease-fire that was largely ignored. That's why the U.N. discussion must address steps to be taken if this pact is breached. They include:

Adoption of a new U.N. resolution for international aid. European nations have pledged $125 million for African Union troops, who need almost twice that for monitoring the cease-fire. The U.S. is expected to pay the rest, plus redirect $150 million in emergency humanitarian aid from Iraq.

Sanctions against the government for failing to disarm Arabs. Stronger measures that affect Sudan's lucrative oil industry would send a clear signal.

Logistical and mechanical support. Tanks and jets could protect routes plagued by rebels. Such reinforcements would also allow the 3,200 African Union troops to pave a safe path for incoming aid.

A new deadline for genocide-inquiry findings. Even with fresh hope and a peace plan, thousands more could die if an investigative commission waits until its deadline early next year to determine whether "acts of genocide" have occurred.

How many war crimes must be committed before Darfur is an international issue that transcends race, here and in Africa? Regrettably, the toll is growing.

Joyce King is a freelance writer in Texas.