Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, has called on the International Security Council to take swift action to halt the ongoing war in Sudan, which has lasted for nearly a year. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, protecting civilians, and achieving justice for war crime victims.
Greenfield also urged regional and global leaders to unequivocally and publicly call on the warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
She affirmed that the Biden administration will continue to support these diplomatic efforts, stating, “The United States is working to unite stakeholders around the common goal of preventing Sudan’s disintegration, which could fuel instability across the Horn of Africa region. We are also working with courageous grassroots leaders to build momentum towards a better future, where the Sudanese people can realize their aspirations for a democratically elected civilian government.”
The American ambassador criticized the international silence on the Sudanese crisis, stating, “Through the sounds of gunfire and bombing, the people of Sudan have heard our silence. It has made them wonder why they have been abandoned and forgotten. The international community must, at long last, speak out openly and work together to end this meaningless conflict.”
Greenfield added that the current conflict would not be resolved on the battlefield but at the negotiation table, necessitating influencers to push the warring parties towards peace.
Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis:
In a report published by “The Washington Post” on Monday, the American ambassador stressed the need for the Council to consider all available tools, including allowing aid transfers from Chad and South Sudan to Sudan, as the United Nations did with cross-border aid flows into Syria. She mentioned that the United States is ready to lead this initiative.
International organizations continue to face significant challenges in delivering humanitarian aid to those affected by the war, despite Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, announcing on March 6 the Sudanese authorities’ agreement to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid.
According to United Nations and other international organizations’ reports, more than 25 million Sudanese, or about 65% of the population, now urgently need food assistance.
Greenfield suggested that the United Nations should appoint a high-level humanitarian official outside Sudan to oversee the delivery of humanitarian aid and expand relief efforts.
Human Rights Situation:
Greenfield referred to the United States’ actions regarding significant violations committed by both sides of the conflict against civilians since the fighting broke out in mid-April 2023.
She emphasized, “We must break the cycle of impunity. We must demand accountability for the atrocities happening before our eyes, which are documented in horrifying detail in a recent United Nations report, and we must all stand behind the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court into allegations of war crimes in the region, as well as local and international documentation efforts and other accountability initiatives.”
U.S. Responses to the Situation in Sudan:
The United States imposed sanctions in recent weeks on more than 10 companies and individuals associated with the military, Rapid Support Forces, and members of the National Congress “Brotherhood.”
The U.S. House of Representatives called for urgent measures to stop the war, impose strict sanctions on both parties, and suspend Sudan’s membership in all international and regional organizations until the return of civilian rule.
Washington appointed Tom Perriello as the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, who began his duties last week with a regional tour. He stated that the only option to halt the escalating humanitarian tragedy in Sudan is to silence the guns and transfer power to civilians, warning of the dangers of extremist factions returning to prominence after the war breaks out in the country.
