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 humanitarian emergency. The conflict involves different groups, including the Sudanese government and local communities, and has been very difficult for everyone involved.

Geography

Darfur is a large area of about 493,180 square kilometers, similar in size to mainland Spain. It is mostly a dry, flat land with the Marrah Mountains in the center. These mountains have peaks that rise very high above sea level.

The land in Darfur has four main features. The eastern part has flat areas and low hills made of sandy soil, called goz. These areas can only support life where there is water. In the north, the goz turns into the sandy desert of the Sahara. Another feature is the wadis, which are dry valleys that fill with water during the rainy season and flow far to the west. Western Darfur is mostly 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 a cooler climate, more rain, and permanent water sources.

Scientists have found signs of a huge underground lake beneath Darfur, which may have 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 believed 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. Many children were among those who had to flee.

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 and special courts for those accused of wrongdoings. But the Sudanese Government did not agree to all the ideas, like having a vice-president from Darfur.

In February 2011, the rebel groups rejected the peace document because of disagreements over a Darfuri vice-president and compensation for victims. In June, new proposals were made for a Darfur Peace Agreement that would replace the 2005 one. This new plan included a Darfuri Vice-President and a regional authority to oversee Darfur. The Government of Sudan and one rebel group signed this new agreement in July, but two other groups did not sign it right away.

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. This includes the Masalit Massacres and El Fasher massacre perpetuated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Languages

Languages of Darfur include Daju, Erenga (or Sungor), Fongoro, Fulbe (or Fulfulde), Fur (which gives the region its name), Masalit, Sinyar, Tama, Midob, and Zaghawa.

The following languages are spoken in Darfur according to Ethnologue.

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

Government

Regional governance

In 2006, a peace agreement created a special authority to help manage the Darfur region. This authority changed a few times over the years. In 2016, it was dissolved after a vote about Darfur’s status. Later, in 2021, a new regional government was formed again to help lead the area.

States

The Darfur region is divided into five parts of 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 jump 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.