Another day, another day slightly stuck. Frustrating has become the word of the week, so I’ll try to refrain from using it here. And today, like basically everyday since we’ve been here, was up and down. We woke up pleasantly surprised that we were booked on a flight out to Goz Beida to finally get to a refugee camp. Hours later, we were back in our fitness center, which has doubled nicely as our home. It’s actually quite nice to work out on the bike, and then be able to lie in bed minutes later ;)
The reality is, however, that we’re in the midst of a situation that carries great ramifications for the entire region. Undoubtedly, the rebels currently ransacking the region and heading for the capital of N’djamena are, in part, armed by the same Sudanese government carrying out the genocide in Darfur and threatening to engage in another war in the South. As a BBC article pointed out, this is a war being waged between Khartoum and N’djamena, and fought by proxies. It’s scary, not for us, but for the innocent people being exposed to this sort of violence through no fault of their own.
The coming days will demonstrate the extent of damage these atrocities will cause throughout the region. If the rebels are fought back, then Sudan and Chad will continue their hostile behavior towards each other, which has led to a cessation of all diplomatic relations. And if the rebels somehow take over the country, there will be deep ramifications for the Sudanese refugees harbored inside of Chad. I wish I could say it was exciting to be in the middle of this important situation, but we’re basically getting our news from the same place that you all are.
The saddest part about the whole mess is the individuals it affects. Every Chadian we talk to is saddened by the situation, and claims to want peace. The conflict is being perpetrated by a few power-hungry individuals that will stop at nothing, including killing and harming individual civilians, in order to fulfill their desire to wish the top. I feel that oftentimes, when the international community sees a situation like the current one in Chad, they remark that it’s “another African disaster.” The problem is that this does not reflect the majority of the African people; it reflects the power-hungry few. It’s a perception we need to shake.
So, another day of disappointments, but we are safe. Please monitor the unfolding events in Chad, not just for our purposes, but for the sake of the hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in harm’s way. And remember, this isn’t another African hopeless situation. It’s one that the international community can play its part in helping to rectify.
Scott
2 replies on “Scott’s journal”
You guys are awesome.
What I hear is sensitive, intelligent and compassionate.
What a combination.
We are with you as the objective film team.
Our next project is the objective point of view
from all activists groups, plus interviews from
survivors from Darfur, Rwanda, and Germany,
as to why it happened and why it is still happening and how
can we as human beings stop it.
It is just frightening to think of what will happen and can happen to
our entire world, I believe this can be the beginning of a world wide crisis.
Because of timing: and because globalization and the dispassionate feelings of the people who can help and who can make a difference, and won’t even look and see.
People in our country are completely unaware of water problems, for example.
In my estimation this is a huge issue, and one of the main reasons for eliminating masses
of people. Politics Oil who cares if there is not water!
As you said we need more of our cariing people
involved and that is what we are going to try to do with our films.
We will get them out there. We will show them everywhere we can.
My friend showed our film The Patchwork Project to her
classes at her middle school, with a flyer to answer questions,
and you should read what they wrote. They cannot stand the sadness,
They want to know more of what the people there do? They listened to
what the movie said about the situation before and now.
No houses, they are in danger, is it going to go on for ever?
In case Eva and I do not make it to the camps within a couple of months,
because of the necessity to have the film done before the Mall event,
and of course the danger,
can you please ask some questions regarding what I said above..
Why and How….?
Hugs, love and I know you will be careful. Be careful!
Naturally, Eva and I will want to meet with you when you return!
see you then
love francesca
Hi Francesca,
It doesn’t look like this trip we are going to make it to the camps. The security situation has changed so rapidly and right now the ANT rebels are spread all across the East and threatening to storm the capital as they did in February. Each day we think we will head to one camp, an obstacle appears and then the area around that camp is occupied by rebels. We are still in Abeche. We will do our best to get footage of your questions, and may even have past footage that reflects them.
In Peace, KTJ