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Collins and Jones Initiative Suspending State Investment in Sudan Heads to Governor

Historic Proposal Protests Genocide & Terrorism in the Sudan

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Groundbreaking legislation sponsored by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D–16) and State Representative Lou Jones (D-26) suspending state investment in companies doing business in the Republic of the Sudan now heads to the Governor’s desk having passed the General Assembly with wide bi-partisan support.

The legislation is the first of its kind in the nation to pressure the Sudanese government to end its policies of genocide and terrorism in Darfur. Already other states in the union are working to adopt similar legislation.

Senate Bill 23 prohibits the State Treasurer from depositing funds or contracting with any financial institution doing business in the Sudan. The bill also prohibits State retirement systems and pension funds from loaning or investing in any company that invests in or does business with the African nation. Presently, two of the state’s five pension systems have approximately $1 billion invested in 32 companies doing business in Sudan.

“I am very proud of our past efforts in the 1980’s to pressure South Africa to end its policy of Apartheid. With this legislation, we have taken a first step toward bringing the same kind of pressure to bear on Sudan to end the current regime, which promotes genocide and terrorism. With the Governor’s signature, making this the first of its kind in our country, we will send a strong message to the Sudenese government that they must change the course of their tyranny and provide basic human rights for all citizens of their nation.”

Since February 2003 more than 300,000 people have been killed in the Darfur region of Sudan during attacks by nomad militias, known as the Janjaweed, who have been armed, paid and supported by the Sudanese Government. Sudan's government insists that the killings are the result of tribal chaos in the region. However, African Union observers in Darfur say the government has been arming and directing the Janjaweed militia.

Vast parts of Darfur have been emptied of its population. At least 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict began. Their villages have been burnt, herds and other possessions looted. Thousands of women have been raped and children have been killed.

“Thousands of people are dying,” Representative Jones said, “and we cannot continue to stand by and let these atrocities continue. It’s my hope that our efforts will grow to send an even larger message that to allow this genocide to continue is unconscionable. We must continue to act by encouraging other states and organizations to follow our lead.”

Already, the United States government has determined that Sudan is a terrorist sponsoring nation, which is another reason why Collins’ legislation calls for divestment.

Currently, federal law prohibits U.S. companies from directly doing business with companies in the Sudan. Collins’ bill would go a step further by targeting investments in foreign companies that do business in Sudan.

Senator Collins said her bill places responsibility on financial institutions and fund managing companies by requiring a certificate stating that they are not engaged with any company forbidden from doing business in the Sudan. She noted however that her bill exempts companies certified as Non-Government Organizations by the United Nations or ones that are engaged solely in providing goods and services for relieving human suffering or to promote welfare, health, religious and spiritual activities, and education for humanitarian purposes.

From the Illinois General Assembly

State Senator Jacqueline Collins (217) 782-1607
State Representative Lou Jones (217) 782-2023