U.S. congressional leaders criticize temporary appointment of Sudan special envoy
February 27, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – Four Republican members of Congress criticized the Biden administration’s decision to appoint former congressman Tom Perriello as a temporary special envoy for Sudan, calling it “yet another failure in its response to the crisis.”
In a joint statement, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch, House Subcommittee on Africa Chairman John James, and Senate Subcommittee on Africa Ranking Member Tim Scott expressed their disappointment over the temporary nature of the appointment.
The lawmakers argued that the appointment, coming ten months into the ongoing war in Sudan, “should not be viewed as a recognition by the Biden administration of the significance of this crisis.” They urged the administration to treat the situation with greater urgency and appoint a “more permanent presidential envoy.”
The statement further criticized the administration for allegedly delaying the appointment due to internal disagreements within the government.
“The department will argue it chose to avoid Senate confirmation due to the urgency of the situation,” they wrote, “but it sat on this decision as the interagency argued about resources, reporting lines, and how this position will be used.”
The leaders urged the administration to prioritize the situation in Sudan, stating, “Sudan must be a higher priority for Secretary Blinken and President Biden.” They expressed hope that Perriello’s appointment would lead to a “reset of U.S. policy toward Sudan” and that he would be “provided the authority to lead this reset.”
The Congress called several times to appoint a presidential special envoy for Sudan. Also, Since January 2023, federal legislation mandates that special envoys wielding substantial authority on behalf of the United States need Senate approval.
On February 26, 2024, Secretary of State Antony Blinken appointed Tom Perriello as the new U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan. Perriello will spearhead U.S. efforts to tackle the ongoing crisis in Sudan, focusing on ending hostilities, guaranteeing unimpeded humanitarian access, and backing the Sudanese people’s pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice.
(ST)