U.S. special envoy Tom Perriello met with Sudan’s army chief in Port Sudan to discuss ending the conflict and improving humanitarian access. His visit follows ongoing hostilities that erupted in April 2023, leading to immense suffering. Perriello’s discussions emphasized the need for a ceasefire and unfettered aid delivery, amidst geopolitical tensions underscored by Russia’s recent veto of a UN resolution for peace.
On Monday, September 25, 2023, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello visited Port Sudan for discussions with Army Chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan regarding humanitarian aid and cessation of hostilities in the war-torn country. Their conversations, described as “long, comprehensive and frank” by Burhan’s Sovereignty Council, focused on strategies to halt the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in widespread devastation and a significant humanitarian crisis since its inception in April 2023. Notably, Perriello’s visit marks the first diplomatic engagement in months, particularly after the military withdrew from negotiations brokered by the United States in Switzerland. The meeting also coincided with Russia’s veto of a UN Security Council resolution aimed at ending the violence in Sudan, reflecting geopolitical tensions that complicate the conflict resolution efforts. The ongoing strife involves the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), formerly commanded by his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of approximately 11 million individuals, as reported by the United Nations, marking it as one of the worst humanitarian crises currently facing the global community. Amid growing international concern over the deteriorating situation, Perriello emphasized the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access, advocating for localized pauses in combat to facilitate the delivery of essential aid, as well as the establishment of a civilian government in Sudan. The U.S. Department of State announced that Perriello engaged in direct discussions with Sudanese officials and expressed mutual aspirations to cease hostilities and address recent human rights violations incurred during the conflict. His mission coincided with limited success in improving aid access under previous peace-building initiatives led by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the African Union, which have struggled against resistance from both military factions. Following discussions, Burhan asserted that his government would not allow the Adre border crossing to become a conduit for arms to the RSF, indicating the contentious nature of humanitarian aid in the conflict context. This particular visit serves as a crucial step in ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan amid escalating tensions and complex political dynamics, underscoring the necessity of cooperative international interventions to alleviate suffering and restore peace.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated sharply since April 2023, when clashes broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. This civil unrest has led to a humanitarian disaster, with the UN estimating significant casualties and mass displacement. Efforts by the U.S. and other actors to mediate peace have faced challenges, particularly with the military’s withdrawal from negotiations and Russia’s recent veto of a UN Security Council resolution aimed at stopping hostilities. Pertinent discussions around humanitarian access and establishing a civilian government remain paramount under these dire circumstances.
Tom Perriello’s visit to Sudan represents a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and promoting peace amid the protracted conflict. The discussions with General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan highlight the urgency of ceasing hostilities and enabling humanitarian access, while geopolitical dynamics continue to pose challenges to effective resolution. As the situation continues to evolve, international efforts must persist to facilitate aid and restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
