Most of you are aware of the shocking media reports concerning Darfur and the consequent expulsion of many humanitarian organizations from Sudan. Many have asked how this is affecting ourwork.
Most people still do not realize that, as part of the peace settlement of the 20-year Sudanese Civil War, South Sudan is now a semiautonomous state. It is politically separate from Sudan, of which notorious Darfur is part.
Sudan is the largest country in Africa--much larger than Texas! South Sudan will hold an election in 2011 to determine if its separation from the northern part of the country will become permanent,as we hope.
Basically, North Sudan,where Darfur is located, is “Muslim.” South Sudan, where our work is centered, is considered “Christian.”
The area of Darfur is a long way from South Sudan. So the events you hear about in the media now have little, if any, affect on the people with whom we work.