As peace talks resume, the Khartoum government is violating the cessation of hostilities agreement it signed 15 October 2002 with the SPLA rebels and reaffirmed on 4 February 2003. Government forces and government-sponsored militias are attacking the Western Upper Nile oilfields in an effort to dislodge the SPLA and expand oil development. The primary victims are civilians. The fighting does not immediately threaten the peace talks. The International Crisis Group says if this grave breach is not challenged by the international community, however, it will set a precedent that the parties have no reason to take other parts of the peace process seriously, including any final agreement and accompanying international guarantees.