After nearly three months since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, the United States in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, has been actively striving to broker a resolution leading to a permanent ceasefire, and the establishment of a transitional civilian government.
However, in the wake of the suspension of the Jeddah talks and the U.S. imposition of sanctions on companies and groups affiliated with the warring parties in Sudan, uncertainty has begun to shroud the situation.
A source from the U.S. Department of State disclosed the readiness of the United States to take further measures in the context of imposing sanctions. The official, refusing to disclose his name, clarified that since the outbreak of violence in Sudan, the United States has been working with its regional allies to halt the violence, improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and prevent human rights violations there.
The source added that Washington continues to cooperate with the African Union, the United Nations, IGAD, and local and international partners to encourage both sides of the conflict to reach an agreement for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and allow access to humanitarian aid, according to the Middle East newspaper.
The official also indicated that in support of these efforts, his country has taken steps to impose sanctions on both sides of the conflict, including listing four companies affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces in the sanctions list.
“We are ready to take additional steps,” the official declared, hinting at the possibility of more decisive actions.
Since the outbreak of fierce fighting between the military forces in mid-April, chaos has spread across Sudan. Looting, plundering, and intimidation have become rampant, affecting businesses, commercial stores, banks, and even residences. The violations have extended to hospitals, where armed groups have occupied many medical facilities, particularly in Khartoum and the Darfur region in western Sudan.
International and UN warnings of an impending humanitarian disaster are on the rise, due to the hindrance of aid delivery as a result of the security situation, and looting incidents targeting some relief organization offices.
Sudan descended into a vortex of conflict between the army and rapid support on April 15, while the military and civilian sides were putting the final touches on a political process that was supposed to lead to the formation of a civilian government. Amid hundreds of deaths and injuries, ceasefire attempts and negotiations have so far failed.
