Shuffling paper while Africans die.

Last year, the Sudanese government armed a mounted Arab militia, the janjaweed, and set it to work terrorising black Africans in the western region of Darfur, who are presumed to support one or other of the rebel movements there. With the support of government bombers, the janjaweed have torched hundreds of villages and robbed, raped, tortured or killed their inhabitants. Under the terms of a Security Council resolution passed last week, the government of Sudan was given 30 days to disarm the janjaweed and stop hindering aid workers as they succour the starving. If it does not, the UN will consider "measures", which could include sanctions of some sort. There is talk of military intervention, but so far little action. The Sudanese army called the resolution a "declaration of war" and vowed to fight any "crusader" army that sets an impious foot on Sudanese soil. The Sudanese government encouraged big street demonstrations against the resolution, but also said that it would, under duress, try to comply with it. Military force will be needed to safeguard aid deliveries, and to reassure those who have fled their homes that it is safe to return. The refugees will never trust the Sudanese army to protect them, because they have such fresh memories of its barrel-bombs. They would welcome the 3,000 troops the African Union is thinking of sending. But these will not be enough, and will probably never arrive unless rich countries provide financial and logistical support. Since every day's delay means hundreds more unnecessary deaths, Darfur cannot wait another month for help.