WASHINGTON – President Bush yesterday tapped former Sen. John Danforth as a special envoy to “bring some sanity to the Sudan” by fighting slavery and seeking peace.
The oil-rich Sudan’s Muslim government is fighting a civil war against black Christians and animists, with blacks targeted for slavery. U.S. officials list the Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Danforth, a Missouri Republican, is an ordained Episcopal priest widely respected by both parties.
Bush said he has “no illusions” that it will be easy, but by naming a special envoy, he signaled the Sudan is a prime concern to the United States and will be pushed in international arenas like the United Nations.