Political Tension

• In 1989, Omar al-Bashir, an Islamic fundamentalist rose into power, increasing tensions between the tribes dramatically.  He removed authority away from the Fur tribal leaders, creating new positions that were to be filled with Arabs supportive of the government in Khartoum.  Denied roads, schools and hospitals, members of the Fur and Zaghawa tribes felt marginalized, cheated out of their power.  Initially rebelling through civil disobedience, the "Africans" progressively became unsatisfied, longing to gain their political power, authority and voice back.  Their desperation led them to military means, forming the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement.  
• The Sudan Liberation Army - originally made up of people from the Fur tribe but now ethnically diverse; said to "promote a secular solution to Sudanese politics."
• The Justice and Equality Movement - a rebel Islam fundamentalist group that formed as an ally to the SLA
• Janjaweed - deployed by the government in response to the rebels; known as the "devils on horseback"  Targeting communities of Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa tribes, the Janjaweed has destroyed more than four hundred villages with the desire to eradicate all who are associated with the rebels

  In Conclusion:

• Conflict of ethnic tension?  Religious fundamentalism?
• Conflict directly relating to power...
• Important context in analyzing women's role: Women are manipulated for power, used as tools of war to divide tribes.  With this power, women also hold the power as peacemakers.