Sudan: “Darfur 2004” may join “Rwanda 2004” as shorthand for international shame, says ICG

The international community must act urgently - and be prepared to use force if necessary - to save hundreds of thousands of civilians whose lives are at risk because of Sudan's brutal counter-insurgency in its western region of Darfur. There must be immediate, focused action, especially from the UN Security Council, to stop the killing and widespread atrocities, prevent mass starvation, reverse ethnic cleansing, and encourage a peace process, says the International Crisis Group. Experts warn that some 350,000 people could perish in the next nine months, mainly from famine, disease and malnutrition. More will die if the government-supported Janjaweed militias are not stopped.