Andrea Lari & Melanie Teff To the Editor:

Re "A Genocide Foretold," by Nicholas D. Kristof (column, Feb. 28):

The world has allowed itself to be distracted long enough from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between north and south Sudan. The initial justified euphoria at its signature brought an end to one of Africa's nastiest civil wars, which raged for more than 20 years.

Mr. Kristof is correct to warn of the dangers in neglecting the agreement. What all of Sudan needs now -- including the south, north and Darfur -- is for the international community to remain engaged and to focus resources and financing for returning people and those welcoming them back in southern Sudan.

Refugees International visited southern Sudan early in February and saw how the average Sudanese is still waiting for promised peace dividends. The government of southern Sudan must be urged to take the lead in helping millions of fellow Sudanese rebuild their lives as they return home after years of displacement.

Building infrastructure in impoverished towns and prioritizing social and economic recovery is vital to keep people from returning to war.



Andrea Lari
Melanie Teff

The writers are advocates at Refugees International.

Read this Letter to the Editor on the New York Times website.