From the Save Darfur Coalition

Dear Michael Lujan,

Thank you! Because of your activism and persistence, President Obama has appointed retired Major General J. Scott Gration as special envoy to Sudan.

General Gration traveled to Africa with President Obama in 2006, visiting refugee camps in Chad. His experience, gravitas and close relationship with President Obama will contribute greatly to his effectiveness. It remains to be seen if he will have the mandate and authority to drive U.S. policy on Sudan.

The appointment of a special envoy is an urgently needed step forward—and it wouldn't have happened if we hadn't raised our voices together. But our work isn't over.

The Sudanese government's recent decision to expel 13 international aid agencies has left about 1.1 million civilians without food aid, 1.5 million without health care and over a million without potable water—threatening starvation and disease on a massive scale.

General Gration has his work cut out for him. He will need to hit the ground running and spearhead an urgent and sustained diplomatic push to establish unimpeded humanitarian access in Darfur, as well as sustainable peace in all of Sudan. And we'll need your help again in the days and weeks to come.

Again, thank you for raising your voice for Darfur. Our constituency of conscience has had a powerful impact on our leaders—and made a difference in the lives of Darfuris. We will continue our fight together.

Sincerely,

Jerry Fowler
Save Darfur Coalition

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Help build the political pressure needed to end the crisis in Darfur by supporting the Save Darfur Coalition's crucial awareness and advocacy programs. Click here now to make a secure, tax-deductible online donation.

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