U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, continues his exploratory tour aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Army General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
This near two-year battle has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions, leading to what the United Nations has termed “the largest displacement crisis in history.”
During his diplomatic journey across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and meetings with influential IGAD Secretariat officials, as well as in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Perriello highlighted the looming threat of famine.
He urged for expedited humanitarian aid to save hundreds of thousands from starvation. His itinerary is expected to include the United Arab Emirates as well.
Perriello, as reported by Al-Hadath TV, anticipates international interventions to halt the war and facilitate a peace agreement, reflecting the collective desire of the nations he visited to end Sudan’s conflict and alleviate its people’s suffering. He advocated for the resumption of Jeddah peace talks after Ramadan.
Warning of a massive humanitarian disaster if the conflict escalates, Perriello emphasized the importance of inclusive negotiations involving key African and regional stakeholders, committed to fostering peace.
Political analyst Mohamed Latif noted the significance of Perriello’s visit in potentially unifying the negotiation platform, thereby precluding the proliferation of disparate forums. He highlighted IGAD’s readiness to cooperate, signaling a unified regional stance on ending the war.
Latif speculated on the evolution of the “Jeddah platform” from technical to high-level political negotiations, possibly hosted by Jeddah, Cairo, or another location, amid discussions of Egypt’s mediation efforts and the emerging role of the Civil Democratic Forces Coordination/Taqadum following former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok’s visit to Cairo.
Perriello reiterated observations of egregious violations by both warring sides, including ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, especially by the Rapid Support Forces, and forced recruitment practices.
He affirmed U.S. support for the Sudanese aspiration to form a unified army and transition to civilian rule, recognizing Sudanese capabilities to govern without political greed.
On February 26, the U.S. appointed veteran diplomat Tom Perriello as its special envoy to Sudan, tasked with coordinating American policy, enhancing efforts to cease hostilities, distribute humanitarian aid, and support the Sudanese people’s quest for freedom, peace, and justice.
The U.S. State Department stated that the envoy would strive for a unified approach to resolve the conflict, prevent further regional atrocities, and emphasize accountability for crimes committed.
