Slavery in Africa

President Bush condemns Sudan for current use of Slavery in Africa
Signs the Sudan Peace Act and Meets Francis Bok and escaped Sudanese to highlight a White House bill-signing ceremony

(iAbolish) - At a historic ceremony at the White House yesterday, President George Bush signed into law the Sudan Peace Act (SPA), a bill that formally condemns the Sudanese government for the use of slavery as a weapon of genocide and threatens sanctions against Sudan if it does not negotiate for peace in good faith.

After signing the bill in the presence of congressional leaders, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and representatives from the Sudan Campaign, including American Anti-Slavery Group President Dr. Charles Jacobs, Bush greeted escaped Sudanese slave Francis Bok, perhaps the first meeting between an American President and an escaped slave since the 19th Century.

"On behalf of the people of Southern Sudan and on behalf of those still in bondage, I thank you," Bok told Bush. "If the boys and girls still in slavery could know that today you signed a law to help set them free, their faces would light up in hope." Bush, who spoke with Bok for several minutes, replied: "It is an honor to help."

The Sudan Peace Act
"The signing of the SPA... represents an important step forward on the road to peace for Africa's longest civil war," said Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, who stood behind Bush as he signed the bill.

The Act provides $300 million towards rebuilding civilian infrastructure in Southern Sudan destroyed by government slave raids. When Arab militia men storm Black African villages in the South, they not only capture women and children as slaves, but also destroy homes, hospitals, and schools. The Act also requires the Secretary of State to prepare within six months a report on war crimes in Sudan, including slavery and gang rape.

If the President determines that the Sudanese government is not participating in good faith in current peace negotiations with the opposition National Democratic Alliance, the SPA enables him to impose sanctions, including a UN arms embargo and authorization to ban Western oil companies operating in Sudan from the New York Stock Exchange.

A Sweet Success
"The act is designed to help address the evils inflicted on the people of Sudan by their government. -- including... the practice of slavery," Bush said in a signing statement. For anti-slavery activists, the President's words and actions mark a historic breakthrough. Though the SPA has enjoyed overwhelming bi-partisan support since it was first introduced over a year ago, the bill remained locked in committee for months.

"It was the voices of grassroots activists across the country and around the world that made the difference," remarked Charles Jacobs, of the America Anti-Slavery Group. "Thousands of iAbolish activists have kept up a strong message to Congress and the President that urgent action was needed to help stop slavery in Sudan. The White House ceremony was a tribute to the persistence of America's new abolitionist movement, and the President's embrace of Francis Bok is a sign of hope for enslaved people everywhere."

Francis Bok Speaks Out
Bok's voice is also being heard far beyond the White House this week. The November issue of Essence Magazine, which hits stands today, features an article by Bok, telling his own story of enslavement by Arab militia in 1986, his escape from bondage in 1996, and his appeal for Americans to help the slaves of Southern Sudan.

Bok is also in the process of finishing up a book-length version of his life story for St. Martin's Press, and is touring the country speaking to audiences of all ages. Now is the time to invite him to speak to your school, church, or community group.

For more information on booking Francis Bok as a speaker, call 1-800-884-0719 or visit http://www.iAbolish.org/speakers.
Help support iAbolish and the advocacy efforts of the American Anti-Slavery Group. We get results! Make a donation today at http://www.iAbolish.org/donate.

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