In early September, the African Union declared its intention to leave Darfur by the end of the month, in hopes of persuading the Sudanese government to allow U.N. troops into the conflict-ridden Darfur region of the nation.
By Sept. 21, the Sudanese government still showed no signs of allowing the United Nations into Sudan, and the African Union extended its stay in Sudan until Dec. 21. Five days after deciding to extend its mandate in Darfur, the African Union brought an additional 4,000 troops into the Sudan. Despite additional troops, the African Union is still severely underfinanced.
The Sudanese government’s refusal to allow U.N. troops in the nation stems from its fear that it is a western plot to occupy the country. The government’s resistance to letting U.N. troops into Sudan has caused alienation amongst the international community.
United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has spoken out against the Sudanese government. ”We cannot, we will not, accept Sudan’s opposition,” Rice said. “Since the Sudanese government will not save the lives of its own people, then the United Nations must act.”
As of Oct. 21, the United Nations and its officials have been declared persona non grata.