Sudan - NBA star appeals for help to end killing in homeland
Chicago Bull Luol Deng knows the stakes in the Sudan all too well: he was born there, and he and his family ended up fleeing the African nation for their lives. The refugee turned NBA star drew on that personal history Sunday to appeal for help to stop the bloodshed in Sudan's Darfur region, where civil strife has left more than 200,000 people dead.
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Chicago Bull Luol Deng knows the stakes in the Sudan all too well: he was born there, and he and his family ended up fleeing the African nation for their lives.
The refugee turned NBA star drew on that personal history Sunday to appeal for help to stop the bloodshed in Sudan's Darfur region, where civil strife has left more than 200,000 people dead.
"We all need to put a stop to this and do whatever we can to stop this," he told about 200 people at a downtown Chicago rally. "I just hope more people will get involved."
Other speakers called on China, one of Sudan's closest allies, to exert its influence to end the crisis that has also displaced 2.5 million people. Some activists have even called for boycotts of next year's Beijing Olympics unless China acts.
One banner at the event read, "China Please: Bring the Olympic dream to Darfur."
The 22-year-old Deng, who did not mention China, briefly recounted how he had left the Sudan for Egypt at age 5 -- when tensions had already started to rise in the country.
Fighting in Darfur began in 2003 when rebels from black African tribes took up arms, complaining of oppression by Sudan's Arab-dominated government. The government has been accused of unleashing Arab tribal militias against civilians in a campaign of murder, rape and arson.
At age 10, Deng and his family settled in England.
"As a refugee life was tough, but I know it was a lot better than what I would have had if I had never left the Sudan," said Deng, a member of the Dinka tribe in southern Sudan.
Deng went on to play college basketball at Duke University. The 6-foot-9 Deng was drafted by the Bulls in 2004 and has since become one of Chicago's standout players.
He said he knows how fortunate he is compared to so many Sudanese.
"I am very lucky, not only to be doing what I'm doing today, but just to be alive," he said.
Deng has been active in several programs providing aid to Africa. Last year, he returned to Africa to participate in the NBA's Basketball Without Borders tour in South Africa.
He said Sunday that his dream is for the people of Sudan to one day have a chance to improve their lives.
"I think there are a lot of people out there waiting for hope and if we don't do anything ... the opportunity that came to me will never come to them," he said.