It has been a year since we all heard President Obama refer to the conflict in Darfur as "a stain on our souls" but to date that problem still exist. Our administration promised tough action to ensure a peaceful Darfur and overall Sudan but to date it appears more likely they will lift sanctions and offer them debt relief than deliver on that promise. To date it appears our administration is more ready to recognize and legitimize Sudanese President al-Bashir and his National Congress Party (NCP) in the upcoming Sudan elections in April, than to take the measures necessary to ensure peace and justice for the millions who continue to suffer in Sudan. We find this absolutely unacceptable.

In a climate of violent political intimidation and with millions disenfranchised in camps, there cannot be credible elections in Sudan. US support gives the government of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, indicted on war crimes and crimes against humanity, legitimacy it does not deserve.