I have some very troubling news. Over the weekend the Sudanese Armed Forces bombed and captured the disputed border town of Abyei. A nearby United Nations’ compound was shelled during the assault and the UN reported that the “vast majority” of the civilians in the region have been forcibly displaced by the fighting.

This attack is a blatant violation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and a reckless provocation in what has long been recognized as the most likely flashpoint for a return to full-scale war in Sudan.

The Government of Sudan believes that the United States and other international actors will respond with rhetoric instead of action to its flagrant disregard for humanitarian law. Now is the time to prove them wrong.

Tell the U.S. Government to impose immediate consequences for Khartoum’s latest egregious actions.

Failure to remove northern troops from Abyei should result in immediate suspension of the process to normalize relations with Khartoum including stopping a review to remove Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List and talks toward debt relief.

The international community should also apply targeted sanctions against those responsible for violence in Abyei and strengthen peacekeepers’ ability to protect civilians on both sides of the north-south border.

Send a message to President Obama demanding immediate consequences for Sudan’s dangerous behavior.

The White House and the U.N. Security Council released statements calling for the withdrawal of Sudanese forces from Abyei and a return to the negotiating table. They also warned the South to refrain from any further measures that may provoke violence. These are positive steps, but with the potential for a return to full-scale war words are not enough.

I recently wrote to you about the hotly contested elections in Abyei’s neighbor, Southern Kordofan. Thousands of activists from around the world demanded the international community pay attention. Thankfully, their efforts helped prevent the election from sparking renewed fighting. However, the attack on Abyei and the disputed victory of indicted war criminal Ahmed Haroun threaten to spread violence anew.

The recent violence on the north-south border and continued government attacks in Darfur underscore the need for sustained international attention and clear consequences for Khartoum.Join us in calling on the United States to take a strong stand against Sudan’s dangerous behavior.

Thank you.