Educational Media Reviews Online

With an estimated 7000 Sudanese citizens dying every month in 2007, the United Nations Security Council sought to send a multinational peacekeeping force to end the ongoing conflict in Darfur, nearing genocide. In addition to political stalemates, the Council met opposition from China, which imports most of Sudan’s oil, and the Russian Federation, which sells armaments to the Sudanese government. Furthermore, the Sudanese President opposed such a force, fearing the loss of lucrative contracts with the previously mentioned nations, and fearing a prolonged Western presence. Reluctantly, the Sudanese government allowed an assessment team to investigate the need for UN peacekeepers.

This film follows the actions of ambassadors and advisors with their meetings, travels, phone conversations, interviews, and more. The presentation has a progression of dates and events in a nearly Law and Order style. The emphasis of this work is on political maneuverings. Here, the audience gains a “behind the scenes” look at the development (or lack thereof) of such resolutions.

Wartime footage and depictions of the plight in Darfur is kept to a minimum, until the end at which time the viewer sees an array of still shots of poverty and bloodshed. Truly, it is used as a harsh contrast with the bustling New York City, where the UN talks took place.

After passing the resolution with a weak mandate (3 countries abstained from supporting), the Council eventually another resolution in June 2007 after substantial international pressure.

This is a rare film that demonstrates the frustration, the slowness, and obstacles to the peacekeeping and consensus building processes. Despite its slow pace, the content is methodical and sensible.