A new round of Darfur peace talks began at the end of October in the town of Sirte, Libya. However, for civilians on the ground the latest political developments have brought no respite from ongoing attacks and displacement. More than 100,000 people have been displaced since the end of July, when the UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1769 demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. Many of these people are fleeing violence for the second, third, or fourth time.

The talks in Sirte have so far been most notable for who has failed to show up. Many of the most significant rebel factions boycotted the opening of the talks. Oxfam has been urging all of the many parties to the conflict to cease fighting immediately, but any cessation will only have a positive impact if it is agreed by all of the parties. The international community must do more to bring all parties to the negotiations. Oxfam is also worried that past mistakes are being repeated. More effort must be made to ensure that civil society and marginalised communities across Darfur are involved in the process.

Recent months have seen some of the heaviest clashes of 2007, and increased humanitarian need. During the last three months at least 46 humanitarian vehicles have been held up, and 24 aid workers shot, abducted, or assaulted. In such an increasingly insecure environment, it is becoming harder and harder for agencies to operate. A comprehensive cessation of hostilities would improve humanitarian access to the four million people in Darfur who now need assistance.