Darfur

Darfur

Darfur is a region in western Sudan. The name Darfur means "Realm of the Fur" in Arabic. Long ago, Darfur was ruled by different groups, such as the Daju and the Tunjur, before becoming an independent sultanate. However, in 1874, a Sudanese warlord named Rabih az-Zubayr took control of the area.

Later, in 1916, Anglo-Egyptian forces invaded and made Darfur part of Sudan. Since 2003, Darfur has faced a big conflict known as the War in Darfur. This war has caused many problems for the people living there, creating a difficult situation for everyone involved. The conflict involves different groups, including the Sudanese government and local communities.

Geography

Darfur is a large area, about the size of mainland Spain. It is mostly dry and flat, with the Marrah Mountains in the center. These mountains rise high above sea level.

Darfur has four main features. The east has flat areas and low hills made of sand, called goz. These can only support life where there is water. In the north, the goz becomes the sandy desert of the Sahara. There are also wadis, dry valleys that fill with water during rainy season and flow west. Western Darfur is made of tough rock, which doesn’t grow much but can provide some forest for animals. Finally, the Marrah Mountains and Daju Hills are tall volcanic peaks with one area that has cooler weather, more rain, and permanent water sources.

Scientists think there may be a huge underground lake beneath Darfur that held a lot of water long ago.

History

Main article: History of Darfur

The word "Fur" was first mentioned in 1664 by a German traveler visiting Egypt. It is thought that "fūr" means "blacks" and was used by Arab leaders to describe the original people of the area. Over time, the leaders of Darfur married into these communities, and their appearance changed to match their subjects.

Darfur was home to many early kingdoms. By the 12th century, the Daju people created a kingdom centered around the Marrah Mountains. Later, the Tunjur took over, and then the Keira dynasty began, making Darfur a strong power in the Sahel region. However, by 1875, the kingdom was destroyed by an Egyptian ruler.

After this, Darfur faced many changes in leadership and outside influences. The area struggled under different rulers and felt left out of important decisions. Tensions grew, especially when leaders promoted ideas that favored certain groups. This led to fighting among the people of Darfur, which continued for many years.

Under Sudanese rule

See also: War in Darfur

After Sudan became independent in 1956, Darfur still did not receive much attention or support. Fighting began in 2003 when groups in Darfur rose up against the government. This conflict caused many deaths and forced millions of people to leave their homes.

Peace process

Darfur Peace Agreement (also known as Abuja Agreement)

The Government of Sudan and the Sudan Liberation Movement of Minni Minnawi signed a Darfur Peace Agreement in 2006. Only one rebel group agreed to this; another group rejected it, so the fighting continued. The agreement included plans to share wealth and power and set up a new authority to help govern Darfur until a vote could decide its future. The leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement became an important assistant to the President of Sudan.

Doha Agreement

In December 2010, representatives of a group of ten rebel groups started talks with the Sudanese Government in Doha, Qatar. They discussed ideas like a new authority for Darfur and a vote on self-rule. However, no new peace agreement was signed at that time. Later, in January 2011, the rebel leaders accepted some proposals, including money for victims. But the Sudanese Government did not agree to all the ideas.

2020 peace agreement (Juba Agreement)

The Juba Agreement was signed on 31 August 2020 in Juba, South Sudan, between the Sudanese authorities and rebel factions to end armed hostilities. However, tribal clashes continued during 2021.

Sudanese Civil War (2023–present)

During the Sudanese Civil War, there has been considerable fighting in the Darfur region.

Languages

Languages of Darfur include Daju, Erenga, Fongoro, Fulbe, Fur, Masalit, Sinyar, Tama, Midob, and Zaghawa.

The following languages are spoken in Darfur.

• Fur language
• Maban languages
  • Masalit language
• Taman languages
  • Tama language
  • Sungor language
• Saharan languages
  • Zaghawa language
  • Kanuri language
  • Berti language
• Kresh languages
  • Gbaya language
• Bongo-Bagirmi languages
  • Tar Gula language
  • Yulu language
• Daju languages
  • Daju language
  • Baygo language
• Nubian languages
  • Midob language
  • Birked language
  • Fulfulde language
  • Sinyar language
  • Fongoro language

Government

Regional governance

In 2006, a peace agreement made a special group to help manage Darfur. This group changed a few times. In 2016, it was closed after a vote. In 2021, a new group was made to help lead the area.

States

Darfur has five parts in Sudan:

• Central Darfur
• East Darfur
• North Darfur
• South Darfur
• West Darfur

Demographics and economy

In 2008, Darfur was home to about 7.5 million people. This was a big increase from the 1.3 million people living there in 1973. More than half of the people, about 52%, were 16 years old or younger.

That same year, Darfur's budget was about US$286 million.