Darfur: Questions and Answers with Mercy Corps GEO Director

Photo: Laura Guimond/Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps Global Emergency Operations (GEO) Director Randy Martin is widely acknowledged as an expert on Sudan. He has been involved with Sudan for over 25 years, traveling extensively throughout both the northern and southern regions of the country. Martin lived and worked in Sudan from 1985-1989, and had regional oversight responsibility for programs in Sudan for ten years after that. In 2002, he wrote a piece for Foreign Affairs magazine entitled "Sudan's Perfect War." Martin has also done many speeches on Sudan for a variety of audiences.

What spurred Mercy Corps into action in Darfur?
First and foremost, the magnitude of the humanitarian tragedy there. In addition, Mercy Corps is interested in the long-term prospects of post-conflict development in Sudan. The country has been at war with itself for over 20 years.

What are the major challenges involved with relief efforts in Darfur?
The biggest problem has been humanitarian access - there has been active resistance to the involvement of humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations. This is beginning to loosen up. Access to families in need will be further impeded by the rainy season, which makes travel very difficult. The other challenges are security and resources.

What is Mercy Corps' long-term strategy for Darfur?
If conditions permit, we are interested in supporting the return of over one million internally-displaced persons to their land and villages. We will also identify programs that will help address the issues that have divided Darfur's people.

How can the average person help alleviate the crisis in Darfur?
Resources will soon be our greatest impediment. Also, the United States government has been well-positioned to address the issues in Darfur. The public can help by pushing their representatives to be concerned and take action.