US Senators urge Biden to appoint special envoy for Sudan

October 18, 2023 (WASHINGTON) – A group of US senators has urged President Joseph Biden to appoint a special envoy for Sudan to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the country.

In a letter to Biden, the four senators, namely James E. Risch, Tim Scott, John Cornyn and Michael Rounds warned that the conflict in Sudan is causing widespread atrocities, displacing millions of people, and threatening regional stability. They say the risk of an expanding civil war, potential state disintegration, and genocide is alarming.

The senators urge the administration to appoint a special envoy with extensive diplomatic leadership and experience in handling complex regional crises. They say the envoy should report directly to the Secretary of State and have access to top administration figures in order to ensure proper resource distribution and foster collaboration with pertinent agencies and global partners.

The senators also point out that the U.S. Congress has consistently backed Sudan’s journey toward peace and that the administration must demonstrate unwavering diplomatic leadership by rapidly designating a special envoy.

The letter comes as the conflict in Sudan enters its sixth month. The United Nations estimates that over 5 million people have been displaced by the violence and that over 18 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

The Sudanese warring parties have been accused of committing atrocities against civilians, including killing, ra^pe forced displacement, lotting and occupation of their homes. 

(ST)