Who is involved?

The Sudanese Government, The Janjaweed, The Rebel groups( Justice and Equality Movement, and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army), United Nations, African Union, and of cores the citizens of Darfur all play a major role in the outcome of Sudan.

The Government of Sudan is responsible for marginalizing the Non-Arab tribes in Darfur, which led to the creation of two rebel groups(JEM and SLM) that opposed and tried to overthrow the government. In retaliation, the government sent in their "proxy" force, the Janjaweed.

The Janjaweed or “devils on horseback” are an Arab Militia. They attacked hundreds of villages throughout Darfur. Over 400 villages were completely destroyed and millions of civilians were forced to flee their homes. The genocide in Darfur has claimed 400,000 lives and displaced over 2,500,000 people. The Sudanese government disputes these estimates and denies any connection with the Janjaweed.

The rebels fighting against the Sudanese Government, including the Janjaweed. The Rebels are known for attacking government posts, and economic targets like oil fields. An example would be when the JEM attacked the Defra oilfield in the Kordofan region of Sudan. The Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company, a Chinese-led consortium controls the field. They claim that the revenue from oil sold to China funds the Sudanese government and the Janjaweed militia.

Alliances like the United Nations and the African Union play a major role in the fighting, and protection of the remaining population of Darfur, which are in camps all over the region. They are also responsible for assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. Monitoring and reporting on the situation along the borders of Chad and the Central African Republic is also a important mission for the United Nations.

The Citizens are most effected by this conflict. Most victims are African, since the Janjaweed are Arab, the conflict quickly turned from a war to a genocide. The Janjaweed are feared by the locals because of the brutality and the extermination of the Africans due to different beliefs. There is about 400,000 dead and 2.5 million displaced. The death tool continues to rise because humanitarian aid cant keep up with the growing need of food and water, so people die from dehydration, starvation and disease. 

CBS News "A new Approach to Darfur" October 19, 2009 4:00 PM