U.S. envoy to Sudan pushes for peace talks by Ramadan’s end
March 21, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – The United States’ special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, urged the resumption of peace talks between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by the end of Ramadan.
Perriello’s call came after a regional tour encompassing Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya. During the tour, he met with high-ranking officials from these countries alongside Sudanese stakeholders.
In a virtual press conference, Perriello expressed hope for “continued dialogue with regional players and Sudanese voices, with negotiations between the military and RSF restarting by Ramadan’s end.”
He emphasized the need for a broader negotiating table in the next round. This would include regional actors, the African Union, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“The roundtable must involve all parties genuinely committed to ending the war and achieving peace,” Perriello stated. “We believe peace can be attained within weeks or months with strong political will. While the US cannot achieve this alone, we’re working with all partners.”
Perriello warned that every passing week without peace increases the risk of further atrocities and widespread famine. He stressed the urgency for comprehensive talks.
Appointed on February 26, 2024, Perriello serves as the U.S. special envoy to Sudan. His mission focuses on coordinating U.S. policy towards Sudan, ending the conflict, facilitating aid delivery, empowering civilian leadership, and promoting accountability for wartime crimes.
The special envoy to Sudan outlined the U.S. administration’s priorities in the country. These include achieving an immediate ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, restoring the civilian-led transition, and establishing a professional military.
Excluding the former regime
Perriello firmly rejected any power-sharing agreements that would allow “extremists and fanatics” associated with the former regime to return to power. He emphasized their lack of commitment to peace and democracy in Sudan.
Reports suggest armed elements linked to the former regime are participating in the conflict. Additionally, some allege that military commanders are influenced by the Islamic Movement, which may be obstructing peace efforts to protect its own interests.
Accountability for atrocities
Perriello highlighted the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions targeting the military and Rapid Support Forces’ commercial enterprises. These sanctions impact individuals, banks, and institutions and send a clear message about America’s commitment to holding perpetrators of atrocities accountable, both within and outside Sudan.
The U.S. envoy stressed that sanctions will remain in place until the conflict ends. He emphasized international cooperation in holding perpetrators accountable, citing ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court and other bodies.
Perriello pledged continued pursuit of those responsible for civilian harm. The army faces accusations of deliberate airstrikes targeting civilians, while the Rapid Support Forces are accused of genocide, sexual violence, forced displacement, killings, and torture.
(ST)