TIMELINE - Conflict in Sudan's Darfur

(Reuters) - Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, announced a cease-fire in Darfur on Wednesday.

Here is a timeline of the conflict in the western region of Sudan:

February 2003 - Two rebel groups rise up, saying government neglects arid region and arms Arab militia against civilians.

April 8, 2004 - Government, Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebels agree cease-fire.

May 5, 2006 - Sudan's government and SLA sign new peace deal. Rival SLA faction and the smaller JEM reject the deal.

February 27, 2007 - International Criminal Court's (ICC) chief prosecutor names first two war crimes suspects in Darfur. Sudan says the ICC has no jurisdiction and rejects arrest warrants.

May 29 - U.S. President George W. Bush imposes new U.S. sanctions on Sudan and asks for support for an international arms embargo to end what he calls genocide in Darfur.

Aug 1 - The U.N. Security Council authorises 26,000 troops and police for Darfur's hybrid mission and approves the use of force to protect civilians.

Oct 27 - Darfur peace talks open in Libya and the government declares an immediate unilateral cease-fire, but key rebel groups are absent.