U.S. still weighing envoy appointment amid growing concerns over Sudan crisis

January 30, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – Despite growing international concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the U.S. administration has yet to decide on appointing a special envoy to the country, according to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee.

Phee, speaking in an online briefing on Tuesday, acknowledged the “irresponsible conduct of security leaders and their reckless actions” that have caused widespread suffering among civilians.

Phee emphasized that the U.S. has a dedicated team of senior diplomats actively engaged in addressing the Sudan crisis, but she added that the administration is exploring the possibility of adding an envoy to further strengthen these efforts.

The U.S. State Department had previously issued an “atrocities determination” for Sudan in December 2023, but critics have argued that the lack of an envoy has hampered the administration’s ability to effectively coordinate its Sudan policy, exert pressure on the warring parties, and bolster joint regional action to resolve the conflict.

In December 2023 and January 2024, U.S. Senators and Congress members expressed their frustration over the absence of a special envoy for Sudan and the lack of pressure on the United Arab Emirates to halt its support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The failure to halt the UAE’s support for the RSF has led to renewed military cooperation between Sudan and Iran, raising concerns about further regional escalations beyond the Sudanese conflict.

Regarding the prospect of a ceasefire in Sudan, Phee reaffirmed the U.S.’ commitment to working with Sudanese, African, Arab, and international partners to achieve a peaceful resolution. She stressed that the administration is pursuing multiple avenues to persuade the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF leaders, to abandon their “destructive and reckless path”.

However, Phee did not provide any specific updates on the resumption of the Saudi-U.S. Jeddah process or the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) role in the conflict mediation efforts, given the Sudanese military’s recent rejection of the East African bloc’s involvement.

(ST)