I.

Introduction

Darfur, westernmost region in the Republic of Sudan, covering an area about the size of France. The landscape of Darfur spans sandy desert, grassy savanna, and lofty mountains. The region is home to an ethnic mosaic of people, most of whom are Muslim. The Fur people make up the largest non-Arab group in the region. In Arabic, Darfur means “Land of the Fur.”

Darfur became mired in violence in 2003, when the government of Sudan launched a brutal crackdown on a rebellion in the region. The conflict continued in 2007 despite international mediation efforts. More than 200,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in the violence or from starvation and disease. Refugee camps have swelled with more than 2 million displaced people, creating a humanitarian emergency.