Many of us hear about the crisis in Darfur, but might have a hard time understanding all that’s going on.  This crisis in the western Sudan has claimed at least 300,000 lives over the past few years, and tens of thousands of Darfuris have been forced off of their land and into refugee camps along the Sudanese/Chadian border. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Darfur - and ways we can help - there’s a new film out on DVD that provides a great introduction to the crisis.  Told from the point-of-view of a former American soldier, The Devil Came on Horseback is a powerful, moving, and accessible explanation of the situation there.* The filmmakers show in stark detail just how the actions of the Sudanese government-backed Janjaweed militias destroy the homes and lives of so many Darfuris, and former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle’s challenge to viewers is clear:  what is happening in Darfur is a genocide, and if we ignore this crisis, we are complicit in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.

The Devil Came on Horseback is now available on DVD (and on Netflix).  Consider renting the film and watching it with a group of friends.  Use the film and resources available from the Save Darfur Coalition to discuss the situation in Darfur, and take action to help those who are suffering. 

(*Please note that the film and the above trailer contain graphic images of genocide.  Neither are appropriate for young children.)

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