For over 17 months, the Sudanese people have been caught in the grip of an inhumane conflict, resulting in one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally. The ongoing war has displaced nearly 10 million individuals, with women and girls facing abductions and sexual violence. Darfur is ravaged by famine, threatening millions more across the region. Recently, the city of El Fasher in Darfur, home to nearly two million residents and numerous displaced individuals, has been subjected to a prolonged siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This siege has recently escalated into a full-scale assault.
I urge both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, the main perpetrators of this suffering, to withdraw their forces, ensure unrestricted humanitarian access, and return to negotiations to bring an end to this conflict. The RSF must halt its attacks that are causing disproportionate harm to Sudanese civilians, while the SAF must cease its indiscriminate bombings that are demolishing civilian lives and infrastructure. Despite some efforts to improve humanitarian access, both sides continue to obstruct critical aid operations. Immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access to all areas of Sudan is essential.
The United States stands firmly with the people of Sudan. Since the conflict’s inception, we have advocated for peace and sought to hold accountable those perpetuating violence. We have engaged with international partners to end hostilities, safeguard civilians, and enhance humanitarian efforts. Recently, through talks in Switzerland, we established the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group, collaborating with the African Union, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Nations, and the United Arab Emirates. This initiative has successfully opened new humanitarian routes into Darfur and Khartoum and gained permission for access to certain airstrips to expedite aid delivery. However, our efforts must continue to secure further progress.
As the largest global provider of aid to Sudan, the United States has contributed over $1.6 billion in emergency assistance over the past two years. We have determined that both SAF and RSF members have committed war crimes, with RSF members also implicated in crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on sixteen entities and individuals linked to the conflict, exacerbating instability, or committing serious human rights violations. We will persist in investigating further atrocity claims and considering additional sanctions.
The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Sudan, who deserve freedom, peace, and justice. We call on all conflict parties to end the violence and refrain from further escalation, for the sake of Sudan and all its people.