Does Sudan mean it this time?

After months of flip-flopping and stalling, the Sudanese government has had an apparent change of heart over the situation in Darfur, finally agreeing to allow UN Peacekeepers in the region to help the African Union soldiers already there. Read about the announcement on the BBC's website.

It's difficult to believe that after vehemently denying this option for months, the government is finally in agreement with the UN and many of its member states on this subject. Although the the AU forces already there are nearly 7,000 strong, they have been overwhelmed by the immensity of the task to which they have been assigned .

The 3,000 additional UN soldiers, if this deal actually does go through, may seem like a pittance, but their presence is needed to support the fatigued, under-resourced AU troops. A UN peacekeeping mission would bring with it more substantial resources and an air of legitimacy that the current protective forces may have been lacking.

I've been skeptical in the past, but I can't be this time. The Sudanese government may change its mind, 0r the 3,000 UN soldiers may be inadequate, but this is a start. With hundreds of thousands already dead, and several million lives in Darfur and Chad hanging in the balance, any step forward is a welcome sign. Let's keep our fingers crossed that a UN Peacekeeping force can breathe some life into this situation.

To find out more, read the Coalition for Darfur blog.