8. No Further Decisions: October 2004–January 2005

Abstract

The months following Resolution 1564 were characterised by the execution of the limited decisions that the international actors had taken. Since the Commission of Inquiry started its investigation in October, new decision-making was hampered for four months. The security situation in Darfur worsened. In contrast, humanitarian agencies were much better prepared to deploy their staff and material when the ceasefire in April was agreed and access for humanitarian agencies was granted. The Sudanese government tried to stop, prohibit or obstruct humanitarian agencies and their staff and material from reaching Darfur. A new round of talks started by the end of October in Abuja. This chapter shows that the Security Council and other actors like the EU were unable and unwilling to adopt more stringent measures in the fall of 2004, such as sanctions or a no-fly zone. It also shows the inconsistencies in the policy of the US.Keywords: Abuja; Darfur; humanitarian agencies; Resolution 1564; Security Council; Sudanese government