Last week, government planes bombed villages, markets, and schools, killing and injuring civilians. At least 12 people, six of them children, were killed.
The Sudanese government’s ongoing perpetration of mass atrocities in Darfur would not be possible without the steady flow of weapons into Sudan.
In spite of the escalating violence in Darfur, China — a major trading and investor in Sudan — still sends arms to Sudan. In fact, as Human Rights First recently reported, between 2004-2006 (the last time data is avaliable) China provided Sudan with some 90% of all of its small arms imports.
It is time for China to do what it can to help end the killing. By announcing a halt to arms supplies, China can send a signal to Sudan that the violence and attacks on civilians in Darfur must cease.
However China is far from the only nation having an impact on Sudan. India is also an important buyer of Sudanese oil. In fact in 2006, Japan purchased more oil from Sudan than any other single country.
Post from: Edward de Leau
Tags: darfur
