A number of Republican and Democratic lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to shift its policy on Sudan, as efforts to end the devastating civil war show few signs of progress.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group have been engaged in brutal conflict for over a year, resulting in widespread death, sexual violence, and the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. The Biden administration has attempted to mediate by encouraging both sides to resume U.S. and Saudi-backed talks in Jeddah, but success has been elusive.
Calls for Stronger U.S. Action
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a close ally of President Biden and former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on African Affairs, has called for more robust U.S. intervention. “The U.S. must do more to empower Sudanese civilians and civil society groups in peace talks, seek accountability for the war crimes committed during this conflict, and continue to support a transition to a civilian-led government that reflects the will of the Sudanese people,” Coons stated.
Dire Humanitarian Warnings
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with top U.N. officials warning that about 2.5 million more people are at risk of dying from hunger by September. Civilians face an imminent risk of famine, adding urgency to the calls for action.
Efforts and Challenges
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Special Envoy Tom Perriello have been vocal about the humanitarian crisis and have worked with international partners to seek a resolution. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently spoke with RSF General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan about potential peace talks. However, Burhan’s aide dismissed the idea of attending talks in Jeddah.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the administration’s sanctions policy as “uncoordinated and not part of a larger strategy to achieve a lasting ceasefire.” He urged the White House to target countries supplying weapons to both sides.
Former Officials’ Criticism
Former officials have also voiced concerns about the effectiveness of U.S. policy. “There is no evidence that U.S. policy is working,” said Michelle Gavin, former U.S. ambassador to Botswana. She highlighted that the U.S. appears more invested in the Jeddah process than the actual belligerents or influential regional actors.
Administration’s Response
The Biden administration pointed to Perriello’s appointment, sanctions against nine entities and seven individuals in Sudan, and humanitarian assistance as evidence of their commitment. “We have been unequivocal about our position toward this senseless war in Sudan,” said National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
Perriello’s appointment has brought “long overdue energy and direction into the U.S.’s response,” according to Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
External Influences and Future Steps
The largest obstacles include the unwillingness of either side to end the war and the involvement of foreign powers. Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia’s Wagner Group have provided support to the warring factions, complicating U.S. efforts.
“The U.S. does not have much leverage with the warring parties and seems unwilling to use real leverage on their foreign supporters,” Gavin noted. This sentiment was echoed by former senior administration official Benjamin Mossberg, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of U.S. strategy.
COMMENTS