The Kasha Moves to Libya

August 6, 2008

Today has been a very disappointing day for the Darfuri people as it appears the lot against them is fast expanding. Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy has received news today from witnesses in Libya (who wish to remain anonymous for their personal safety). These witnesses have confirmed that the Libyan authorities have joined in support of the Sudanese government against the indictment of al-Bashir and against the Darfuri people. They have, in a sense, expanded on their own territory the Kasha (cleansing) that was begun in Sudan through a volley of arrests of Darfurian and Chadian peoples who are living in Libya. Currently, there are no specifications other than that for being arrested, some are refugees of course, but some are simply workers and others have been long time residents. It does not even seem to matter if these people have valid passports or UNHCR ids, although that is the pretense used for questioning.

In one week’s time, approximately 2,940 of these arrests have been made. As of now, the Falah and Abu-Salim prisons in Tripoli hold approximately 1,040 and 1,100 (respectively) Chadian and Darfurian prisoners, not to mention the 800 at Gawarsh in Benghazi. These people are not entirely arrested on principal however. On arrival at whichever prison, they are asked to pay a sum of 400 dinar (about 336 USD) to be permitted to leave. Those who can pay, are able to walk out, those who cannot however, are then jailed for several months, tortured with a lack of food and water, and then deported to where they will surely face death.

Our four Darfuri witnesses and victims say that Darfurians in Libya are living in the gravest of situations. Simply for being from Darfur, they are brutalized and forced to give up whatever small amount they may have been able to procure for themselves. Darfuri people in Libya are hunted down in the streets, in their places of business and in their homes. They are unable to find peace for themselves. Even those with valid UNHCR ids are being targeted an arrested.

Damanga is extremely concerned about this ongoing campaign that is taking place in Sudan as it has been spreading like a disease. It has already contaminated Egypt and Libya, who will be next? What will happen to the Darfuri people when they are out of safe places to run to? Now is a crucial time for the international community to prove that they stand behind the ICC, otherwise there is no chance its judgments will be taken seriously in the future. Both Libya and Egypt are playing snakes in the grass. They claim to be supportive to finding a peaceful solution for the people in Sudan in order to avoid fallout from the international community, while at the same time, they are performing a quiet cleansing in their own countries, hidden under the radar. The goal of these countries is to be sure all of their bases are covered. They hope to have the support of the international community while Sudan is a target, however they also want to guarantee for themselves a solid backing from by Sudanese government just incase the ICC ever happens to find fault with them. While this is a clever stealth tactic, Damanga is able to recognize the deception, we can only hope that the international community does as well and puts a stop to it immediately. In the mean time, we beg the UNHCR offices to take care of those refugees, wherever they may be, and grant them a safe place to conduct their lives in peace.