AFJN applauds the United States presidential candidates for taking a rare step among presidential candidates – issuing a joint statement expressing a unified perspective. In this case, the candidates expressed their commitment to resolving the conflict in Sudan.

It continues, “We stand united and demand that the genocide and violence in Darfur be brought to an end and that the CPA [Comprehensive Peace Agreement] be fully implemented.” The statement was released this week and published in a New York Times advertisement.

Although they do not make specific recommendations or commitments to action, the candidates articulate their dedication to confronting the crisis and declare their readiness to make it a priority of whichever administration is next. We at AFJN commend the candidates not only for their willingness to show a united front on this issue of utmost importance and urgency, but also for directing attention and concern toward the continent of Africa where campaigns have, so far, been relatively quiet.

We hope that this statement is the first step in a more committed approach to ending violence in Darfur, and look forward to hearing more from our candidates about the actions they plan on taking. We also hope to hear more from the respective campaigns on the many other concerns facing the African continent, concerns that demand the attention of the United States.

Read the full statement

See the Times advertisement