The current conflict began in early 2003 when predominantly Muslim rebels the Sudanese Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement started attacking government forces and installations in Darfur.

NPR: Sudan Fighting Surges Anew as Rains Stop

The hostilities erupted in early 2003, when two rebel groups the Sudanese Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement attacked government targets, claiming that the predominantly African region was being neglected by the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum, the capital.

NPR: U.S. Stiffens Sanctions on Sudan over Darfur