Media

The Atlantic versus the slave redeemers, round 2

by Dan Kennedy

Two months ago the Atlantic Monthly published an article that shook the anti-slavery movement to its core. Richard Miniter, a freelance writer, reported that Western human-rights groups that buy freedom for slaves in Sudan for $50 to $100 a person are actually making things worse by creating an economic demand for further slave-taking. Charles Jacobs, president and founder of the Boston-based American Anti-Slavery Group, responded that Miniter was "outrageous and nuts" to disparage a movement that has resulted in freedom for some 10,000 former slaves (see "Don't Quote Me," News and Features, June 25).

Now Christian Solidarity International (CSI), the organization that heads up slave-redemption efforts in Sudan, has struck back with a report alleging that Miniter's article is a "hoax." Unfortunately, the fallout is likely to leave the truth as muddled as ever -- and could even set back the cause of ending slavery in Africa.

According to CSI, Miniter was guilty of gross journalistic malpractice when he quoted three officials of the Dinka tribe -- an ethnic group that is the frequent target of Arab slave raiders -- as being opposed to CSI's slave-redemption efforts. CSI alleges that one of those officials, Chief Longar Awic Ayuel, never even met with Miniter; and CSI claims to have videotaped a new interview with Longar in which he reiterates his support for the agency's work. The other two officials continue to support CSI as well, according to the report.

"CSI regrets that columns of the Atlantic Monthly have been filled with false statements and tabloid-like smears and innuendoes about slave redemption in Sudan," the report states. "Such reporting betrays not only the truth, but also the interests of the tens of thousands of Sudanese women and children who are now in bondage and have no other realistic hope of freedom other than through redemption."

But Miniter, in a written statement, strongly denies CSI's charges. "The allegations that CSI makes are false," Miniter says. "I have notes, photographs, flight logs, witnesses, and other material to confirm the elements that CSI contests. In addition, I have a videotape of large portions of my visit. The Atlantic Monthly fact-checker demanded and got independent corroboration of facts and quotations in the article." Miniter adds that not only did he interview Chief Longar, but he has a video showing Longar spelling his name for Miniter and answering questions. "Longar's negative view of slave redemption is well-established by witnesses," Miniter says.

Jacobs, when contacted by the Phoenix this week, repeated an accusation he made two months ago: that Miniter relied almost entirely on Jim Jacobson, a former slave-redemption activist turned critic with whom CSI has had a serious falling-out. Miniter told the Phoenix in June that Jacobson was not his principal source; and in his written statement, he responds to CSI's charges against Jacobson by saying, "I have no desire to wade into the disputes" between CSI and Jacobson.

An Atlantic Monthly spokeswoman told the Phoenix that the magazine's top editors are on vacation this week and cannot be reached for comment. However, the Washington Times reported recently that "Atlantic editors stand by the story."

This is getting ugly, and it's difficult to sort out who's telling the truth -- although, if the quality of argumentation counts for anything, Miniter's calm, well-reasoned letter gives him the edge. Miniter's Atlantic article raised some serious concerns, although his contention that slave-redemption efforts should be ended is unconvincing. After all, what alternatives do victims' families have? Still, CSI and Jacobs would be better served debating Miniter on the issues rather than launching ill-supported attacks on his integrity.

The full CSI report can be found on the American Anti-Slavery Society's Web site, at http://www.anti-slavery.org. Conveniently enough, it includes a link to Miniter's Atlantic article.

Editor's note: Shortly after press time, Atlantic Monthly editor William Whitworth told the Phoenix that he stands behind the accuracy of Miniter's article.