The Sudanese government killed nearly a dozen Darfuri civilians on Sunday in the deadliest attack on Darfur in years. Sudanese bombs pounded the North Darfur village of Shegag Karo, including a school where six children died.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government is beginning to improve relations with Sudan. The two governments have commenced bilateral, confidence-building measures, including the release of Sudanese prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, and of U.S. government property from the Port of Sudan. Such measures are convenient for both parties: the Sudanese government scores a massive public relations victory in Sudan, and the U.S. government resumes construction on a new embassy in Khartoum.

But what about the people of Darfur?

If Sunday's attack is any indication, the Sudanese government feels that it can bomb Darfuri civilians without threatening its improving ties with the Bush Administration. And the Bush administration's lackluster response thus far appears to reinforce this perception. Ambassador Rich Williamson, U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, is set to travel to Khartoum for a new round of negotiations on May 20 - a mere fifteen days after government planes bombed Shegag Karo. The proximity of the bombing to the resumption of Sudan-U.S. negotiations must not be lost on Ambassador Williamson when he meets the Sudanese.

Ambassador Williamson must make continued negotiations contingent on an immediate end to the Sudanese government's assault on civilians in Darfur. He should also push for an end to all military flights over Darfur (as required by Security Council Resolution 1591) for progress toward full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South Sudan, and for the renewal of a just and inclusive Darfur peace process.

Finally, he must insist on an end to ongoing Sudanese obstruction of the UNAMID civilian protection force. UNAMID's response to the bombing of Shegag Karo was dismal, but this is not the fault of the peacekeepers. Donor nations must provide the resources necessary to carry out its mission, and the Sudanese government must allow UNAMID the freedom to do so.

There are many pressing issues with the Sudanese government in Khartoum. But when Ambassador Williamson meets with the Sudanese, he must keep in mind the victims of Shegag Karo and all those who continue to live in fear of the next devastating aerial attack.

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