Sudan
Historical Chronology

The Dakar Contact Group, formed in March to follow up implementation of measures to normalise relations between Chad and Sudan, met in N’Djamena to further discuss deployment of a Chad-Sudan border observation mission. This followed the exchange of ambassadors between Chad and Sudan the previous week and an agreement on concrete steps for full normalisation of relations. An AU mission chaired by former Burundian President Pierre Buyoya is currently working on recommendations to address the root causes of tension between the two countries.

The Sudanese Government launched its “People of Sudan” initiative during a three day forum which was boycotted by Darfur rebel movements and some opposition parties. Delegates from Egypt, Eritrea, Qatar, the African Union and the Arab League attended. The forum designed to identify solutions to the Darfur crisis discussed unifying the Darfur region into one state and granting the post of Vice president to a Darfuri. A number of subcommittees have been established to consider reconciliation, public relations, development, refugees and security.

Special Representative Qazi provided an assessment of the status of the CPA implementation and UNMIS’ response to the recent crisis in Abyei. He cautioned that “ultimate success will require the parties to realise that peace can be consolidated only through the full implementation of the Abyei road map and the successful demarcation of the 1956 border.” He further underscored that UNMIS, being a “Chapter VI mission”, “neither possesses the robust intervention capability nor was it provided the requisite political and military space by the parties, including the freedom of movement for monitoring and verification.”

Despite Khartoum’s political and diplomatic efforts to counter the ICC prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant against Bashir, its cooperation with UNAMID appeared to have improved, reportedly including long-delayed permission for night flights.  There were nonetheless also reports of increased government pressure and implied threats. The Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), Ashraf Qazi, noted that the government had said that “the issuance of an arrest warrant against President Bashir could create a situation that might have serious consequences for United Nations staff and infrastructure in the Sudan.” The Sudanese government also unveiled a reconciliation initiative for Darfur including a national dialogue conference, and appointed a prosecutor to head domestic proceedings on serious crimes in Darfur. But scepticism remained due to the timing, the lack of Sudanese legislation dealing with such crimes, and weaknesses in the Sudanese judiciary. The government reportedly continued to refuse to execute pending ICC arrest warrants for Ahmed Haroun and Ali Kushayb.

A joint administration for the contested area of Abyei was established in accordance with the roadmap agreed between the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The Council renewed the UNAMID mandate for 12 months in resolution 1828. This was preceded by intense negotiations on a proposal, following a request to the ICC from its prosecutor for an arrest warrant against al-Bashir, to include language suspending ICC proceedings under article 16 of the Rome Statute. The majority resisted this proposal, but compromise was found in emphasising the need to bring the perpetrators of serious crimes to justice (and the government‘s obligations in this respect) and also mentioning some Council members’ concerns related to the request for an arrest warrant against al-Bashir. The resolution took note of those members’ intention to consider these matters further. The US remained resolutely opposed to any compromise and abstained in the vote, signalling its opposition to reopening the ICC issue. Ambassador Alejandro Wolff, the US Deputy Permanent Representative, said that this would “send the wrong signal” to al-Bashir and “undermine efforts to bring him and others to justice.”

Following the AU PSC decision and the Arab League initiative, South Africa and Libya separately proposed that any draft resolution renewing UNAMID should include a paragraph mandating the suspension of ICC proceedings.

22 July 2008

The Organisation of the Islamic Conference’s Group in New York wrote to the Council requesting the article 16 suspension.

21 July 2008

The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) issued a communiqué requesting a UN Security Council resolution suspending ICC proceedings.

18 July 2008

At a meeting under the auspices of the Dakar Agreement Contact Group Sudan and Chad agreed to restore diplomatic relations, broken since a rebel attack on the outskirts of Khartoum in May. The Group has also held talks on a border monitoring force, which is expected to include two hundred monitors from the Contact Group members plus one thousand from Sudan and Chad each.

The Secretary-General held talks with the Sudanese government. He clarified that the Secretariat has no influence over the ICC, and urged Khartoum to ensure the security of humanitarian workers and the ability of UNMIS and UNAMID to carry out their mandates.

14 July 2008

The chief prosecutor of the ICC, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, presented to ICC judges an application for a warrant of arrest against Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in connection with alleged genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur. Sudan launched domestic and diplomatic efforts to counter the request. This included pressure particularly through the Arab League and AU member states for Security Council action to suspend ICC proceedings under article 16 of the Rome Statute.

After a Secretariat briefing on the 8 July attack on UNAMID peacekeepers, members also adopted a presidential statement on 16 July noting that the attack had been “premeditated, deliberate and intended to inflict casualties”, and that the Council is determined to “take action against those responsible” on hearing the outcome of an ongoing UN investigation.

8 July 2008

Seven UNAMID troops were killed and 19 wounded after an attack and a three-hour heavy exchange of fire in a government-controlled area in North Darfur. The attack was apparently orchestrated and carried out by two hundred militia members armed with machine guns and anti-aircraft weapons aboard some forty vehicles.

In his report, the Secretary-General noted that improvement of the security situation hinged on a cessation of hostilities and strengthening of UNAMID.

The Sudanese parliament adopted the much-awaited electoral law, a step essential for elections in 2009 as mandated by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). But southern officials expressed concern about possible bias in the law favouring the ruling National Congress Party and warned that key legislation on the media, national security and criminal acts needed to be revised to ensure free and fair elections.

On the north-south situation, the parties missed a 1 July deadline for full withdrawal from the Abyei area, contested by the north and south. Withdrawals soon afterward in July seemed to be making some progress, but southern officials accused the north of backpedalling.

30 June 2008

The Secretary-General informed the Council of the appointment of Djibril Yipènè Bassolé of Burkina Faso as the new AU-UN Joint Chief Mediator.

June 2008

The situation in Sudan and the region continued to deteriorate. During a Council visit in early June, members were informed that the World Food Programme may have to cut food rations to civilians in need in Darfur for the second time in recent weeks because of insecurity. Funding shortfalls also led to cuts in humanitarian flights in Sudan. 

24 June 2008

Salim and Eliasson briefed the Council. Eliasson said that the parties have not been willing to come together for substantive talks, citing as challenges rebel fragmentation, competition and in-fighting.  Salim suggested a high-level meeting with the Secretary-General, the AU, Council permanent members, Sudan and regional and international partners, to “chart the way forward” in the political track. The Council adopted a statement  calling on UNMIS to deploy robustly in the area to prevent escalation of the conflict in support of CPA implementation, and requested an assessment of UNMIS’ role vis-à-vis the recent violence and appropriate follow-up steps. 

16 June 2008

The Council adopted a presidential statement calling upon states in the region to implement commitments under the Dakar Agreement and expressing readiness to adopt measures against those who “constitute a threat to stability in the region or violate international humanitarian law.” The Council adopted another presidential statement which recalled resolution 1593 and urged Sudan and all other parties to cooperate with the Court. On the same day, the EU said it was ready to consider measures against individuals responsible for non-cooperation with the ICC. 

Mid-June 2008

Chadian rebels launched a new offensive and briefly took over a number of towns in eastern Chad, threatening a new attack on N’Djaména. Chad repeated accusations of Sudanese support for rebel groups. Observers have voiced increasing concerns about the intensification of a perceived proxy war between the two countries.  

8 June 2008

The parties signed a roadmap on the return of displaced civilians and implementation of the Abyei Protocol (which is a separate part of the CPA dealing with the oil-rich region’s boundaries and administration as well as a 2011 referendum on its future status).

5 June 2008

Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Chief Prosecutor of the ICC, briefed the Council. He informed the Council that there had been no Sudanese proceedings in relation to the crimes committed in Darfur during the last three years; that the Sudanese government was not cooperating with the ICC; and that he would present a second case on Darfur to ICC judges in July. He also accused the entire Sudanese State apparatus of being implicated in the commission of crimes in Darfur and recommended the adoption of a presidential statement addressing the situation (S/PV.5905).

early June 2008

A Council mission visited Chad and Sudan. Issues discussed include Sudanese cooperation with UNAMID, the peace process, cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the north-south situation. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir reiterated complaints against Chad for supporting Darfur rebels.  Bashir also reportedly reiterated that Khartoum will not cooperate with the ICC.  Renewed clashes between government and southern forces in the contested region of Abyei raised new concerns about the future of the north-south Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the potential for a renewed north-south civil war. Dozens were killed and tens of thousands displaced by the violence, which included bombing and the burning of Abyei town to the ground. 

Late May 2008

A Ugandan officer serving under UNAMID was found dead in his vehicle near El Fasher. Under Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guéhenno reportedly said that the incident underscored the challenges faced by the mission’s lack of resources. Also in late May, a UNAMID convoy was ambushed and robbed by unidentified men.

14 May 2008

Briefing the Council, Under Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guéhenno said that the JEM attack on Khartoum on 10 May 2008  underscored “serious shortfalls in the Mission’s resources.”

13 May 2008

A meeting with troop contributors was convened to discuss the new deployment plan. Prospects for troop and asset generation remained uncertain. It appeared that one option under consideration was switching assets from UNMIS to UNAMID.

11 May 2008

Sudan cut diplomatic ties with Chad.

10 May 2008

The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) mounted an unprecedented attack reaching the outskirts of Khartoum. This might have been related to the JEM’s own national political ambitions, as well as the recent government offensive in West Darfur. It surprised both the government and UNAMID.

22 April 2008

After considerable delays and disagreement, the national census started. Joint Special Representative and head of UNAMID, Rodolphe Adada, briefed the Council alongside Under Secretary-General John Holmes. Adada said that the mission’s deployment had not increased substantially since taking over from the AU mission (AMIS) on 1 January. He noted that, in light of existing logistical challenges, the mission would need to re-evaluate deployment goals and work on a list of vital measures to implementation.

April 2008

In April the conflict in Darfur reached its fifth anniversary amidst unrelenting violence, banditry and worsening humanitarian conditions. Clashes between rebels and government forces persist, particularly in West Darfur. Humanitarian access has also been constrained by the presence of Chadian rebels. In a Council briefing on 22 April, Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes estimated that among Darfur’s six million people, 4.27 million have now been seriously affected by the conflict; 2.45 million are internally displaced, while 260,000 fled to neighbouring countries.

mid-March 2008

The Darfur mediation team held consultations in Geneva with regional partners and international observers.

12 March 2008

On the margins of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference summit in Dakar, Chad and Sudan signed a new agreement to defuse tensions and stop mutual support for rebels.

11 March 2008

Assistant Secretary-General Edmond Mulet briefed the Council. He said that fighting in Darfur made “clear that preparing for political negotiations (did) not seem to be a priority for either the Government or rebel movements,” and added that “a peacekeeping operation alone” could not bring security to Darfur.

10 March 2008

Special Rapporteur Sima Samar briefed the Human Rights Council on her recent human rights report on Sudan. The report noted that “the protection of human rights in the Sudan remains an enormous challenge.” Despite some progress with the drafting of new laws, this had not had an impact on the human rights situation.

6 March 2008

The “Friends of UNAMID” group was launched with US and Canadian support. The group—comprising Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Tanzania, the UK, the US and the EU—is expected to support UNAMID troop contributors with training and equipment.

early March 2008

The situation along the border with Chad became highly volatile. A French soldier died and another was wounded after their vehicle crossed into Sudan from Chad as part of a reconnaissance mission under the EU Force (EUFOR).

early March 2008

Russia said it was willing to contribute helicopters to UNAMID, most likely with crews supplied by other members.

March 2008

The military offensive in West Darfur included joint attacks by Sudanese armed forces and Janjaweed militia against the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). These attacks were supported by fighter jets and helicopter gunships, with reports of deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian assets. Insecurity and funding shortages halved food deliveries in Darfur in mid-March. Tens of thousands of civilians were reported inaccessible by aid organisations due to a ban on humanitarian flights and access restrictions imposed by rebels. UNAMID human rights monitors were also reportedly denied access to certain areas in West Darfur by the government.

late February 2008

The Sanctions Committee met to discuss Sudan’s request for sanctions against the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). Given members’ ongoing divisions regarding sanctions options, the Committee decided on a limited response in a letter to Sudan requesting more details regarding the individuals in question and their alleged conduct.

15 February 2008

The Sanctions Committee sent a letter to Sudan reminding it of existing sanctions against Musa Hilal on 15 February after the latter's appointment to a government post. 

9 February 2008

UNAMID's status-of-forces agreement between Sudan and the UN was signed.

8 February 2008

Briefing the Council, Under Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guéhenno cautioned that UNAMID remained severely under-resourced for its mandate, warning that current resources were insufficient to provide protection or to meet “the high expectations of Darfur’s civilians.” There were significant challenges in bringing UNAMID up to UN standards.  He reminded Sudan that the force had to be “predominantly” but not “exclusively” African in character. Guéhenno warned that the Council must be prepared for the eventuality that UNAMID would operate amid war. This could “significantly complicate our collective efforts to support” the implementation of resolution 1769 and a peace agreement in Darfur.

8 February 2008

UN Envoy Jan Eliasson also briefed the Council on 8 February on the status of political talks. Two rebel groups appear to have substantial conditions to join the process. JEM-Khalil Ibrahim said it would participate only if there were two movements in the negotiations (JEM and the Sudan Liberation Movement, SLM), and the group is involved in military activities. The SLM-Abdul Wahid, Eliasson explained, has preconditions linked to improvements in security. Eliasson said steps towards an eventual peace agreement would take longer than initially hoped. The parties were not ready to engage in substantive talks and lacked consolidated positions. Eliasson also suggested greater focus on security as an enabler for political reconciliation, specifically by encouraging a credible ceasefire through unilateral declarations.

January-February 2008

The government launched a large counteroffensive in West Darfur against the JEM. Reports say government forces alongside Janjaweed attacked and burned towns in the area, which were then looted by the militias. Particularly deadly was an air and ground attack by Sudanese government and allied militia against the town of Sirba on 8 February, according to UN investigators. Around 12,000 civilians recently crossed into Chad, and others were blocked along the border by unidentified armed men. High-level contacts with the Sudanese government to speed UNAMID's deployment included a visit by the head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno to Addis Ababa and Darfur and talks between the Secretary-General and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

Mid-January 2008

Khartoum appointed Janjaweed leader Musal Hilal as a government adviser. (Hilal has been included in the Council targeted-sanctions list.)

Early January 2008

At a Council briefing on 9 January, Under Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guéhenno presented a report on the mission’s continuing difficulties including shortages in troops and assets. Khartoum rejected Norwegian and Swedish pledges, which were then withdrawn. Southern representatives resumed their participation in the central government after months of suspension, and northern troops finalised redeployment away from the south on 9 January.

8 January 2008

A UNAMID convoy came under attack by government forces.

1 January 2008

UNAMID formally took over peacekeeping responsibilities from AMIS.

22 December 2007

The General Assembly adopted a resolution approving UNAMID’s budget.

12 December 2007

Ambassador Johan Verbeke of Belgium submitted a letter to the Council President on behalf of EU members of the Security Council. The letter contained the Conclusions of the Council of Europe on Sudan/Chad, which reiterated the urging of European members for Sudan to cooperate with the ICC and drew “attention to the lack of cooperation by the Government of the Sudan concerning the deployment of an effective force” in Darfur. 

11 December 2007

The Group of Experts on Darfur presented its final report. It noted that Khartoum had only partially implemented the Group’s recommendations, and with limited success. The report further noted that more than 267,000 persons had been displaced in 2007 alone, and that all parties to the conflict were responsible for indiscriminate attacks resulting in civilian casualties.

6 December 2007

The Secretary-General noted that "with only three weeks left" before the transfer from AMIS to UNAMID, "the situation had become acute."

6 December 2007

At a briefing for Council members on 6 December on his trip to Darfur in late November, Under Secretary-General John Holmes reported continuing lack of humanitarian access, violence against civilians and lack of observance of humanitarian principles by all parties. 

5 December 2007

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno-Ocampo, briefed the Council on 5 December. He noted that Khartoum had not complied with its obligations under resolution 1593, in which the Council referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC.

27 November 2007

At a Council briefing on 27 November, UN Envoy Jan Eliasson  urged a distinction between rebels engaged in the process and those that reject it, and that “all parties must be aware that undermining the process comes at a price.” He signalled reluctance from a rebel group and Khartoum to facilitate civil society and displaced persons’ participation and underlined Khartoum’s responsibility to uphold security and justice, including cooperation with the ICC. Under Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guéhenno also briefed the Council on the status of UNAMID’s deployment on 27 November. He warned that the mission was at a crossroads due to lack of cooperation from Khartoum and pledges for mobility assets. 

The Council renewed UNMIS for six months in  resolution 1784 which was adopted against the background of fears of collapse of the north-south Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The resolution also signaled growing Council attention to the broader linkages between the parallel peace processes in Sudan, in particular the CPA’s implementation and the prospects for peace in Darfur.

late October 2007

Darfur peace talks began in the Libyan city of Sirte on 27 October. The talks were mediated by representatives of the UN and the African Union, and involved negotiations between representatives of the Sudanese government, militias and Darfuri rebel groups. However, the talks were marred by the lack of attendance by most major rebel factions.

24 October 2007

The Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2007/41) on the need for a ceasefire, political settlement and cooperation with UNAMID's upcoming deployment.

The Secretary-General's latest report on Sudan noted the lack of progress with implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including north-south border demarcation, Abyei's status  and preparations for the 2009 elections (S/2007/624).

8 October 2007

An attack took place against a stronghold of the only rebel group to have signed the Darfur Peace Agreement, the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minnawi (SLA/MM). Khartoum denied media reports that government forces and militia carried out the attack.

2 October 2007

In a presidential statement the Council condemned the 29 September attack on AMIS peacekeepers.

early October 2007

Citing the north's unwillingness to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the southern Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) announced its withdrawal from the national government. This not only generated widespread concern over the future of north-south relations, but also, for at least one rebel group, brought into question Khartoum's authority in representing the government of Sudan in negotiating a peace settlement for Darfur.

29 September 2007

Ten African Union Mission (AMIS) peacekeepers in Darfur were killed in an attack on their compound in the town of Haskanita.

25 September 2007

The Council held a summit-level meeting on the challenges of attaining peace and security in Africa (S/PV.5749).  Darfur was among the topics discussed.

25 September 2007

The Council authorised EU and UN deployments in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

21 September 2007

Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon and African Union (AU) Commission Chairman Alpha Konaré hosted a high-level consultation on Darfur at the UN, which included the participation of 26 countries.  Discussion focused on the need for a quick deployment of the UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and the need for all of the rebel groups to participate in peace talks planned for October in Tripoli.  

12 September 2007

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefed the Council on his trip to the region.  On the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), Ban noted that "unless this milestone achievement (is) implemented, hopes for sustained peace in Sudan would suffer a serious blow."

10 September 2007

The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, painted an alarming picture of the relations between north and south and the CPA's status. Kiir reportedly said that when the CPA was signed, "our feeling was that Sudan had entered into a new dawn of peace and hope for our people. Today [the] feeling is not the same. I am alarmed, worried and deeply concerned about the status of CPA implementation… I am worried [that] it is likely that Sudan will reverse again to war if we do not act now with our partner [Sudan's ruling National Congress Party]."

3-4 September 2007

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Khartoum and Southern Sudan, amidst increasing concern about major difficulties and risks currently facing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement's (CPA) implementation.

September 2007

Khartoum appointed International Criminal Court (ICC) indictee Ahmed Mohammad Haroun to head a national human rights committee.  

20 August 2007

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's report painted a picture of the possible unravelling of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), as the 9 July deadline for redeployment of all northern forces away from southern Sudan was missed.  The Secretary-General's report called on northern forces "immediately to remove all remaining regular military elements from southern Sudan," with the exception of those earmarked for joint integrated units.   

3-5 August 2007

The UN-AU Mediation Team held pre-negotiation talks with the rebel movements in Arusha, in which a common rebel negotiating platform was adopted. Key rebel leaders, including Abdelwahid al-Nur, did not attend.

31 July 2007

The Council authorised the establishment of the UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) in resolution 1769.

mid July 2007

The AU-UN mediation team chaired a second Libya-format meeting in Tripoli including Sudan, Chad, Libya, Eritrea, Egypt, the Council permanent members, the EU, the Arab League, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway. A communiqué was adopted emphasising that "any hindrance to the political process would be addressed through appropriate measures" by the UN Security Council and the AU.

24 July 2007

A revised draft on the proposed UNAMID was circulated.

11 July 2007

A first draft, circulated by the UK, proposed the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) be established for 12 months and outlined the mission's size, mandate and structure. 

early July 2007

The EU signalled that its available resources were depleted and called on the US and the Arab League to increase their share in assistance for AMIS.

22 June 2007

AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) authorised the hybrid operation with a mandate along the lines proposed in the AU-UN plan.

12-13 June 2007

Khartoum indicated that it accepted the hybrid operation without conditions after consultations in Addis Ababa among the UN, the AU and Sudan.

25 May 2007

Security Council adopted a statement welcoming the AU-UN report and calling for it to be considered and taken forward immediately. 

23 May 2007

Security Council received the AU-UN report on the hybrid operation, after months of difficult AU-UN negotiations on the mandate and structure of the proposed operation.

27 April 2007

International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in connection with the cases against former Sudanese interior minister Ahmed Haroun and Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman. 

19 April 2007

The Secretariat met prospective troop and police contributors for a "heavy package" deployment.

March 2007

Khartoum replied to the 24 January 2007 heavy-support proposal with complaints that it "reveals the existence of essential differences in the understanding of the nature and objectives" of UN support.

07 March 2007

Report of the high-level mission of Darfur was released.  It noted the gross and systematic human rights violations from all sides.

06 March 2007

UN envoy Jan Eliasson briefed the Security Council on his efforts alongside AU envoy Salim A. Salim to re-energise the political process. 

27 February 2007

International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo presented the charges against Sudanese humanitarian affairs minister (and former interior minister) Ahmed Haroun and Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman (alias Ali Kushayb).

20 February 2007

Libya convened a regional peace initiative. Eritrea (as a facilitator), Chad, Sudan and rebel groups attended.  Eritrea and Libya also reportedly met with the rebels separately to encourage a unified negotiating position.

14 February 2007

Khartoum refused visas for a Human Rights Council-mandated high-level mission.

13 February 2007

Sudanese aircraft bombed rebel groups preparing for a conference on a unified negotiating platform.

24 January 2007

Secretary-General sent details of a UN-AU agreement for a "heavy-support" package for Darfur to Khartoum.

January 2007

Widespread chaos and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and aid workers continued unabated.  The AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) reported that Khartoum indiscriminately bombed rebel-controlled areas.  Thirty humanitarian organisations launched an unprecedented appeal for hostilities to cease.

23 December 2006

Khartoum provided a written response to a 18 December 2006 letter of the Secretary-General on the three-phased approach.  It agreed with the approach but subject to discussions within the tripartite committee of the UN, the AU and the Sudanese government.   Media statements attributed to Sudanese sources indicated, however, that Khartoum continued to prevaricate, questioning any UN role beyond technical, advisory and financial support.

14 December 2006

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno-Ocampo, briefed the Security Council and said there was sufficient evidence against individuals considered most responsible for serious crimes to present before ICC judges by February 2007.  

30 November 2006

AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) adopted a communique endorsing a hybrid operation in Darfur and renewing AMIS until 1 July 2007.

25 November 2006

The AU and the UN signed a memorandum of understanding on a "lighter" UN assistance package.  However, deployment remained stalled as Khartoum continued to insist that UN personnel be under African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) overall, rather than only operational, command and control.  

22 November 2006

Security Council renewed the UN Peacebuilding Support Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA)'s mandate until the end of 2007, as large numbers of refugees from Darfur continued to spill over the border into the Central African Republic.

18 November 2006

At a meeting in Addis-Ababa the Secretary-General, P5 members, AU Commissioner Alpha Oumar Konare, the Arab League, the EU and several African nations agreed in principle to a hybrid operation for Darfur.   

10 November 2006

The Secretary-General proposed a phased approach comprising of sequential packages of "lighter" and "heavier" UN assistance for African Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and finally a hybrid AU-UN operation.

November 2006

The situation in Darfur continued to deteriorate with increasing attacks on civilians and aid workers as well as general lawlessness and chaos.

October 2006

Khartoum signalled a willingness to accept increased UN logistical and financial support to AMIS. 

14 October 2006

The Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement was signed.

20 September 2006

The AU extended African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) until 31 December.

31 August 2006

The Council adopted resolution 1706, setting a mandate for UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) in Darfur.

29 August 2006

A government offensive in Darfur began.

16 August 2006

Non-signatories were expelled from the Ceasefire Commission (CFC).

08 August 2006

Sudan and Chad decided to normalise bilateral relations.

07 August 2006

Former rebel leader Minni Arko Minawi was sworn in as Senior Assistant to the President of Sudan.

20 July 2006

In a meeting with Salva Kiir Mayardit, Vice-President of Sudan and head of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), US President George Bush pushed for Sudan to allow for a UN presence to stop the violence in Darfur and to allow the AU forces to be "blue-helmeted".

18 July 2006

A pledging conference was held for African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in Brussels. 

12 July 2006

Under Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno told the press that the UN would be developing a transition plan based initially on strengthening African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and that the priority would be to "beef up its structure."

01-02 July 2006

At the African Union (AU) Summit, the Secretary-General held discussions with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on the need to strengthen African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), to consolidate teh Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and on the importance of the deployment of a UN force in Darfur.   

28 June 2006

African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) decided that targeted sanctions measures, including a travel ban and assets freeze should be imposed on those undermining the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA). 

09-21 June 2006

A United Nations-African Union joint assessment mission took place.  The recommendations from this visit indicated that the most immediate need was to strengthen African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and adopt a unified plan for a transition to a UN operation. 

14 June 2006

The Security Council received a briefing from International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo on the status of investigations in Darfur.  Moreno-Ocampo indicated that while his team had not been able to enter Darfur, evidence of large-scale violations had been gathered and it did not appear that Sudanese courts were prosecuting cases that were or would be the focus of ICC attention.

12 January 2006

The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) announced that it accepted, "in principle," the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Darfur.

10-20 December 2005

A joint AU-UN mechanism to assess African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) visited Darfur.

13 December 2005

International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Ocampo briefed the Council.  Khartoum declared it would not cooperate with the ICC.

29 November 2005

Darfur peace talks resumed.

03 November 2005

Minni Arko Minnawi was elected President of the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A). 

20 October 2005

Darfur peace talks were suspended for a month.

15 September 2005

Darfur peace talks resumed in Abuja.

September 2005

The Government of National Unity (GNU) announced the new Council of Ministers, with fifteen porfolios alloted to the National Congress Party (NCP) (including the key energy, interior and defence ministries) and eight to the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). 

August 2005

With John Garang's death, Salva Kiir was sworn in as first-vice president.   

30 July 2005

John Garang died in a helicopter crash in the south of Sudan. 

09 July 2005

The Government of National Unity was inaugurated and Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) leader John Garang was sworn in as vice-president.

28 April 2005

The AU Peace and Security Council increased the authorized strength of African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to 7,731 military and police personnel.

31 March 2005

The Council referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

29 March 2005

The Council authorized travel and financial sanctions. 

24 March 2005

UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) was established to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

25 January 2005

The report of the International Commission of Inquiry concluded that war crimes and crimes against humanity had been committed in Darfur. 

09 January 2005  

The Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to end the North/South conflict. 

19 November 2004  

The Council convened in Nairobi to discuss Sudan, including Darfur.

20 October 2004

The AU decided to expand the mandate of African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to include the protection of civilians in imminent danger and in the immediate vicinity of its troops.

18 September 2004

The Council asked the Secretary-General to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate reports of atrocities in Darfur. 

01 September 2004

Parties to the conflict called for the deployment of AU peacekeepers.

30 July 2004  

The Council imposed an arms embargo against all nongovernmental entities and individuals until the Government of Sudan successfully disarms the Janjaweed.

03 July 2004

The Government of Sudan and the UN issued a Joint Communiqué, underlying Khartoum's commitments towards peace in Darfur.

08 April 2004

The Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreement was signed by the Government of Sudan, Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).

07 April 2004

The Secretary-General highlighted Darfur in his address to the Commission on Human Rights.

September 2003

Naivasha Agreement on Security Arrangements (ceasefire between north and south) was signed.

February 2003

Insurgency against the Government started in Darfur.

July 2002

The Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) signed the Machakos Protocol.