Los Angeles to divest $27 million from Sudan

“In protest against the continuing violence in Darfur, Los Angeles will withdraw $27 million from pension funds with companies that deal with the Sudanese government. ‘The city of Los Angeles is adding its voice to the international outcry over the genocide in Darfur,’ said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a statement after announcing the city’s intention to divest. ‘We must stand for freedom and basic human rights for all, and we must do everything possible to stop the killing in Darfur,’ the mayor said. Violence in Darfur, which Congress has unanimously declared to be genocide, has killed more than 200,000 people and displaced around 2.5 million people since fighting broke out in the region in 2003. The Sudanese government has been accused of providing money and assistance to militia groups carrying out the violence and participating in joint attacks.”