[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 108 (Tuesday, July 19, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE NEED FOR PEACE IN SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2011

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dawn of the Republic 
of South Sudan, the world's newest nation. While this is certainly a 
cause for celebration, the road to peace will not be an easy one for 
this war-torn region of Africa. The legacy of fifty years of violence, 
two million lives lost, and deep-rooted ethnic tensions will not vanish 
overnight.
  This is especially true in the Nuba Mountains, part of the disputed 
border region of Southern Kordofan. While this volatile area remains 
under the control of Sudan, it is home to many communities that support 
the newly formed South Sudan. Sudanese forces from the north are 
accused of carrying out extensive aerial attacks targeted at pro-South 
Sudan groups. These attacks have displaced some 73,000 people, 
including 2,000 in a recent bombing campaign. Media reports also 
suggest targeted civilian killings and extrajudicial executions of 
suspected dissidents.
  This violence must stop. The citizens of the Nuba Mountains, and all 
the citizens of Sudan and South Sudan, deserve to live in freedom, 
security, and stability. The history of genocide, war, and turmoil that 
has plagued this region of Africa does not need to be its future. As 
Sudan marks a momentous separation into two independent countries, let 
us embrace the possibility and hope that this new beginning can bring. 
I urge all my colleagues here in Congress to use their voice and their 
vote to promote enduring stability for the Nuba Mountains and all of 
Sudan and South Sudan. Peace cannot wait a moment longer.

                          ____________________