Military protection

Many observers have long emphasized the need for military protection for victims and aid workers in Darfur, as well as to protect food and other supplies from being stolen or destroyed. The most attractive plan seems to be to have the African Union lead the initiative, with backup support and funding from nations outside of Africa.

Governments are moving along this line, but not quickly enough, it seems to us.

The African Union is landing about 300 troops in a few days, to protect its monitors--some of whom are already in Darfur. The AU leadership is currently considering sending more.

The Dutch will air transport the AU troops into Darfur.

The French are sending troops into Chad to aid in planning for the protection of humanitarian actions.

The British have said they can put 5000 troops into Sudan very quickly.

The Australians have said that they are prepared to send a few troops immediately.

The US has had a military planning team based in Chad for several weeks.