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So states U.S. Representative James McGovern of the Third Massachusetts District. Congressman McGovern shared his observations about the plight in the African nation to Dean College at a special event held in the Campus Center, 99 Main St., Franklin, with the public invited to attend. According to Congressman McGovern, millions have fled their destroyed villages, heading for camps near main towns. There is not enough food, water or medicine. Janjaweed militias, supported by the Sudanese government, "patrol" outside these camps, killing men and raping women if they venture too far in search of firewood or water. Another 200,000 or more have sought safety in neighboring Chad, or camped along a 600-kilometer stretch of border, and all are vulnerable to attacks from Sudan. International aid agencies try to work in Darfur, but they are unable to get access to vast areas because of the violence, and the Sudanese government has recently begun to expel them from the region. A ceasefire negotiated in April 2004 has not held; the Sudanese government has not disarmed the Janjaweed militias as it promised, and some 7,000 African Union peacekeepers have been slow to deploy, have a limited mandate, and are too few to cover an area the size of France. Congressman McGovern said it is his hope that by sharing his observations, he will be able to raise awareness and inspire others to help. Below are a few links to information regarding the situation in the
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