I’ve said it before and I still stand by it — the genocide in Darfur, Sudan is fueled by a lust for oil. In 2005, articles appeared that reported on Sudan’s deals that gave access to the ABCO corporation to drill in Darfur. That’s when many knew that there was more to this conflict than a conflict between the government and rebel factions.

Then, today, I read that Sudan is undergoing an economic boom due to oil revenue. Presumably, this is referring to oil deals in areas outside of Darfur, as well but, this does give some insight into why the Darfur region is of interest to Khartoum.

Sudan only began exporting crude oil in 1999, but this year it is expected to earn between $4 billion and $5 billion in oil revenue, said Abdul Rahim Hamdi, a former finance minister who still advises the government on economic matters.

The economy grew by 12 percent in 2006, the International Monetary Fund says — up from 8 percent the year before — and over $2.3 billion in direct foreign investment poured in last year, a nearly 50 percent rise from 2004.

This striking growth may seem like a hopeful sign for this African nation, which bears the scars of many wars and famines.

But some fear this sudden affluence may allow Sudan’s government to ignore the threat of sanctions from the West, which so far has not been able to persuade Khartoum to allow U.N. peacekeepers into Darfur.

The old adage is true. If you want to find out the reason behind anything, follow the money.

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