As Sudan says it is handing over deposed dictator Omar al-Bashir to the International Crime Court (ICC) over war crimes in Darfur, we look at the conflict in which some 300,000 people have died and more than 2.5 million have been forced from their homes.
- 2003: Rebels take up arms -
Two rebel groups take up arms accusing the Khartoum government of marginalising the vast Darfur region of western Sudan.
The state-backed Janjaweed militia -- a group of mostly Arab raiders travelling by horseback, camels and armoured pickups -- is sent against them.
- 2007: UN steps in -
A joint United Nations-Africa Union force called UNAMID takes over from an African peacekeeping force that has been posted there since 2004.
- 2008: Shock attack -
More than 220 people are killed when rebels from Darfur's Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) mount a shock attack on Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman, travelling hundreds of kilometres to strike the edge of the capital.
- 2009: War crimes warrants -
The Hague-based ICC issues an arrest warrant for Bashir, then Sudan's president, for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.
Another for genocide follows.
In 2010, heavy fighting resumes in Darfur after an accord with one faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) breaks down.
More than 2,300 people die that year, according to the UN.
- 2011: Rebels band together -
Darfur's rebels form an alliance as Sudan accuses newly independent South Sudan of working with the JEM, as well as backing rebels in its South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. Juba denies the accusations.
- 2014: Gang rape inquiry -
As refugees continue to flee, Bashir hints at a withdrawal of his forces after peacekeepers probe accusations of gang rape by Sudanese soldiers.
- 2016: Chemical weapons -
In June, the government declares a unilateral ceasefire but two months later talks break down between Khartoum and rebels.
In September, Amnesty International accuses Khartoum of carrying out chemical weapon attacks in Darfur -- charges denied by the government.
- 2019: Bashir ousted -
On April 11, Bashir is ousted by the military and detained after four months of mass protests.
In August, the new authorities vow to restore peace to conflict-ridden regions, including Darfur.
Sudanese prosecutors in December open a probe into crimes allegedly committed in Darfur.
Two months later a top Sudanese official says Bashir will be handed over to the ICC.
- 2020: Janjaweed leader -
In June, Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb, wanted for war crimes by his Arab militia since 2007, turns himself in to the ICC.
But a Sudanese prosecutor says Bashir's extradition to the ICC is not necessary.
- Peace accord -
On October 3, the government and most rebel groups sign an accord aimed at ending 17 years of civil war after meeting in August in Juba.
- ICC in Khartoum -
On October 19, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda visits Khartoum.
Two weeks later Washington says it wants to end UN sanctions on Sudan.
- 2021: Clashes as UN withdraw -
The UN Security Council agrees to end UNAMID's 8,000-strong mission in Darfur at New Year.
Three weeks later tribal clashes in the West Darfur capital El Geneina leave at least 48 people dead.
A further 132 people die in clashes in April between the Arab and non-Arab tribes.
Similar violence leads to 36 deaths elsewhere in Darfur in June.
The following month the ICC says it will try notorious Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On Wednesday, Khartoum says it will hand Bashir over to the ICC.