Published in The Star Ledger, January 21, 2011

It is important for the news media to continue covering the historic elections in Sudan. On Jan. 15, the residents of Southern Sudan finished voting in a referendum which, if passed, will grant them independence from the north and its tyrannical leader, President Omar al Bashir. Even if the referendum passes, southern Sudan will not achieve full independence until July 9. In the interim, many post-referendum issues must be resolved, and the United States and media outlets must continue to monitor the situation to guarantee a fair resolution to the referendum.

Also, attention given to the referendum should not obscure the fact the Darfur region, which is not part of southern Sudan, continues to suffer at the hands of al Bashir.

Sudan has conducted aerial attacks, which have displaced Darfuri citizens from their homes, and has prevented U.N. peacekeepers and humanitarian groups from providing aid to displaced persons.

Only vigilance by the media can ensure that the world does not turn a blind eye to the situation in Sudan.

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerletters/2011/01/abel_buell_mapmakers_prerogati.html