By Tom Mureika

TOFINO — A group associated with a popular social networking website plastered a section of the downtown last week with signs raising awareness about the genocide in Darfur.

The Facebook group called “Make Canada Recognize Darfur as a Genocide” scheduled several “Art Attacks” in communities across Canada, including Tofino.

A representative, who remained anonymous, stopped by CHMZ-FM in Tofino Friday morning to explain the action.

“We’re trying to bring awareness throughout the world of what’s going on in different countries – Sri Lanka, District Republic of Congo, all across the world,” said the spokesperson. “We’re trying to get our voices heard and get people to act on it – because it’s ridiculous what’s going on.”

The troubled Darfur region of Sudan has received a significant amount of media attention in the past few years, and now the International Criminal Court has accused Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir of orchestrating atrocities against a population in Darfur.

The region is in the midst of a civil war.

“The reason that the Sudanese government wants the destruction of the people of [Darfur] is to keep money to themselves,” said the spokesperson. “In 2003, the people of Darfur asked for a share in the country’s newly flowing oil reserve, to build on infrastructure and to increase the standard of living.

“The response was immediate and deadly.”

The group is asking individuals to call 1-800-GENOCIDE and leave a voice mail with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

As of Sunday, there were 2,102 members on the Facebook group.

The Westcoaster.ca attempted to get in touch with the organizers of the Tofino event by posting a comment on Facebook, but as of Sunday evening attempts remained unsuccessful.

Click here to listen to the interview on CHMZ-FM.


(With files from the Canadian Press)