Washington: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Vinny Spera announced efforts by the United States, in collaboration with regional allies, to broker a humanitarian truce in Sudan to halt the ongoing conflict. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has led to what is being described as the world's most severe humanitarian crisis.
According to Kuwait News Agency, during a hearing by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Africa Subcommittee on Sudan, Spera highlighted the manipulation and obstruction of emergency aid by conflicting parties, worsening the plight of the Sudanese people. He labeled the crisis and resulting famine as man-made and condemned the atrocities committed by both the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The conflict has seen horrific acts, including sexual violence and executions, with thousands missing and many forced to flee their homes. The US administration has sanctioned over 40 individuals and entities linked to the conflict, aiming to impose consequences and limit external support. Recent sanctions targeted SAF-aligned Islamist actors and Colombian entities accused of supporting RSF activities.
Under President Donald Trump's directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos are engaging in negotiations to establish a truce. The US is working with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to end external financial and military support to the warring sides. The proposed truce demands all parties to cease attacks on civilians and grant humanitarian access throughout Sudan.
The US has committed over $405 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, providing essential services to those in need. Spera urged for collective action, emphasizing that the US cannot address the crisis alone. The conflict in Sudan poses a threat to regional stability, particularly along the Red Sea corridor, and could foster environments conducive to terrorism and transnational crime. The US hopes for a return to civilian-led governance in a unified Sudan and seeks to work with Congress to end the conflict.