Today Darfur

One girl, age 13 was gang raped by 7 men of the pro government militias – she later died as a result of the trauma, her parents could not get her to El Fasher for medical treatment.

Refugees in Darfur Originally published in The Kenyon Review

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - According to rebel groups in North Darfur, the Sudan Armed Forces have bombed and attacked the Jebel Mo area, northwest of Meilit in North Darfur. The spokesman of the faction of SLM-Abdelshafi said that planes flew over the area and were hitting targets in the Mo village. The attack was followed by a ground offensive by militias, explained Ahmed Fadul Abdallah of SLM-Abdelshafi – Radio Dabanga

Those who have reached El Fasher are speaking out, the Janjaweed and GoS (Government of Sudan) are brutally attacking and killing anyone caught between the villages and IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps.

They strategically attack the villages –bombing, shooting, wielding any brand of weaponry, attacking the villagers and then block the roads and trails leading to the IDP and refugee camps.

Janjaweed and pro militia ride on camels, horseback and trucks terrorizing the citizens of Darfur as they try to flee on foot, blocking their only means of safety.

The Janjaweed are preventing the escape of the displaced, trapping them in the mountains or on trails leading to the desert or country side, leaving them to wander without food, shelter or water.

The displaced are often carrying their babies on their back and running with their young children, equipped only with the clothes they have on and little else to defend themselves if caught.

It is reported the Janjaweed had raped 47 women and girls, 13 of them very young girls.

One girl, age 13 was gang raped by 7 men of the pro government militias – she later died as a result of the trauma, her parents could not get her to El Fasher for medical treatment.

Another witness said a young girl under 13 years old, was raped in the Korma attack - her Aunt and parents succeeded in getting her to the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher. According to her Aunt, she is receiving medical care; both the girl and her parents are also under psychological care due to the trauma of the attack.

There were reports that the Red Cross and other humanitarian aid organizations trying to reach the affected but the Government of Sudan are obstructing their task.

You can help. Take Action, Use your voice.

1. Call President Obama tell him this is not ok 202-456-1111

2. Text Secretary of State Clinton tell her this is not right 90822

3. Twitter your message @dipnote, @whitehouse, @BarackObama

4. More information visit whilewewaitsudan.blogspot.com, radiodabanga.org

5. Stay updated via stopgenocidenow.org, sudanactionnow.com

6. Most importantly use your own resources, your voice and compassion. Speak for those that so desperately need your voice action!!!

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Alysha Atma spends many hours working on projects that support and benefit the belegured people of African nations who spend way too much time off the western media radar. This writer explains that she is a culmination of all her experiences, most importantly knowledge she says, and all that she still needs to learn; lessons of love, laughter and the extraordinary giving of both young and old. She says she has the enormous fortune of learning from the best; every person around her, and the amazing strength and fortitude of those she has never met but will always strive to listen to. "I continue to work and write because I believe in the power of community and the power of one, both contradictory to each other and yet can move together in a very powerful way. I feel a responsibility to use my place, freedoms and connections here in the US to stand up and yell for those who need my voice and actions. I have seen such strength in my fellow humans that I cannot even begin to comprehend, they have traveled distances, have gone without food, water, shelter and safety for days and weeks at a time. I have a responsibility as a fellow human to put our common humanity before anything else. Everyone deserves to look towards tomorrow, to dream of a safe future and to have a peaceful present." You can write to Alysha Atma at: alyshann78@comcast.net