An African Union summit began with Sudan's determination to assume the chairmanship despite criticism of ongoing violence in Darfur. Despite demands from rights organizations and Western governments to be snubbed due to abuses in Darfur, Sudan insists on getting the chairmanship. Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol believes responsible AU leaders will not be swayed by external pressure and that they are determined to fulfill their promise made a year ago to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, despite the violence in Darfur that has led to the deaths of 200,000 people and displacement of 2.5 million. Critics argue that rather than decreasing, the violence in the last year has actually gotten worse, with government-supported Arab militias being responsible for the deaths of thousands. Despite calls for UN peacekeepers to be sent to assist the African Union mission of 7,000 soldiers and monitors, President Bashir has consistently blocked their deployment. The AU's top diplomat, Alpha Oumar Konare, accused Sudan of targeting Darfur civilians in his opening speech at the summit. Amnesty International warned that giving the chairmanship to Bashir would damage the AU's credibility if human rights abuses in Darfur persist. Chad, which has strained relations with Sudan due to the Darfur conflict spilling over their border, has threatened to leave the AU if Bashir becomes chair. Chad President Idriss Deby stated that it is unlikely for Sudan to be given the chair at the African Union summit. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit believes Sudan will be given the chair unless the summit decides otherwise, but expects a struggle similar to last year. Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed optimism that the issue of the chairmanship will be resolved more easily than last year. Diplomats mentioned that a decision has not yet been reached, but efforts are being made to present Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as a possible alternative to Bashir. It was reported that Western governments are actively supporting Kikwete. British Africa minister David Triesman warned that the African Union's reputation as a successful international relations organization could be jeopardized if a hasty decision is made. An AU committee consisting of seven experienced individuals, including Obasanjo, will address the Sudan situation on Monday and then provide recommendations to the entire summit, according to delegates. The meeting in Addis Ababa will also cover topics such as deploying a peacekeeping force in Somalia to replace Ethiopian troops, unrest in Guinea, climate change, and the AU military mission in Darfur, although diplomats believe that Sudan will dominate much of the discussion. Delegates noted that opposition to Sudan is growing among AU governments. One African delegate stated that it is unreasonable to expect a country dealing with internal conflict to address all the other issues on the continent, but leaders are aware of this and are working on finding a solution.