Somalia's political leaders signed a promising new declaration at Eldoret in Kenya on 27 October 2002. The framework for dialogue is sound and comprehensive, most major political movements are represented, and key members of the international community are engaged. However, mismanagement, regional rivalry, lack of political support and financial constraints have brought the talks to near collapse. As the conference enters its main phase, the UN Security Council should ensure that the arms embargo against Somalia is actually enforced and commit to targeted sanctions against warlords or politicians who undermine the negotiations. The EU and U.S. should construct a package of incentives for reaching a peace agreement, enhance their representation and technical aid, and conduct robust public diplomacy in support of the process, says the International Crisis Group.