David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for being here. I echo the comments made by Deputy Cronin about the aid workers. Our thoughts are with them on the ground out there. Many people have made the ultimate sacrifice in various parts of the world. I take on board what Mr. MacSorley said recently about the horrific war in Sudan having been largely ignored by the West and the media in general. Many people do not know what is happening there, that the Rapid Response Force is actually winning and the horrors and terrors that have been perpetrated on the citizens of Sudan in this context. I have been following this subject quite closely and what is happening is absolutely horrific. There were terrible events in Darfur 20 years ago, but I think this situation is even worse in the context of the number of displaced people. I understand there was a drought in that country and that it is now experiencing intense flooding. It has been one thing after another on top of the war.

To pick up on what Mr. MacSorley said, why is it that the situation in Sudan is mainly being ignored by the West? We do not see it mentioned in any newspapers, except, perhaps, for a little comment here or there. This is one of the biggest states in Africa collapsing completely, being destroyed and sinking into complete anarchy. From what I have read, the brutality, torture and rape going on there is beyond description. Why is this situation not getting any traction in the media or any coverage worth talking about? Perhaps Mr. MacSorley knows the answer.