IRD NEWS RELEASE The Institute on Religion and Democracy October 25, 2002

Bush Signs Sudan Peace Act in the Presence of Activists: Signing ceremony includes IRD’s Church Alliance for a New Sudan

WASHINGTON, DC (IRD) – The IRD’s Church Alliance for a New Sudan (CANS) was represented along with other activists from the broad-based Sudan Coalition on Monday, October 21, 2002, as President George W. Bush signed into law the recently passed Sudan Peace Act. The Act includes a formal finding of genocide against the Government of Sudan and requires an investigation of war crimes. The new law also condemns slavery, aerial bombings of civilian targets, manipulation of food aid, and other human rights abuses and tactics of the Government of Sudan. It condemns human rights violations on all side in the conflict in Sudan.

Many groups represented at the historic signing ceremony also participated in CANS’ Stand Firm Vigil for Sudan, September 18-24, outside the State Department. Vigil participants including representatives of the Sudanese community, clergy and church members, Jewish leaders, modern day abolitionists, college students, activists from the Midland, Texas hometown of President Bush, and others were invited to the White House’s Roosevelt Room to join congressional leaders for the signing of the bill. “We are deeply gratified to know that the prayers and witness of so many at the Stand Firm Vigil played a part in bringing about this tremendous breakthrough in U.S. policy on Sudan,” declared CANS director Faith McDonnell.

Before signing the bill, President Bush thanked those present for their hard work to bring peace and justice to Sudan. “I will not forget Sudan,” he assured the group, adding dryly, “And if I do, I know that you will prod me.” The Act directs the President to impose sanctions against Sudan if he determines its government is not negotiating in good faith. It requires the Secretary of State to prepare within six months a report on war crimes in Sudan. “Since a formal statement from President Bush indicates that he will construe these provisions as ‘advisory,’ the Church Alliance for a New Sudan will continue to monitor U.S. engagement with Sudan and to ‘prod’ as needed until there is a just peace and religious freedom for all in Sudan,” said McDonnell.

Following the signing, President Bush greeted McDonnell, who presented him with a remembrance from the Sudanese Lost Boys. The gift – a framed drawing of Sudan with signatures and messages of thanks – was created by the young men when they were in Washington for the vigil, before Congress voted on the Sudan Peace Act.

The Act also authorizes $300 million over the next three years to provide increased assistance to the areas of Sudan that are not controlled by the Government of Sudan to support the rebuilding of civil society.

Faith J. H. McDonnell http://www.ird-renew.org