New legislative initiative to curb the civil war in Sudan

In a compelling initiative to combat the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the leading Democrat on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee is set to introduce a bill on Tuesday. The aim of the initiative is to sanction those responsible on both sides of the Sudanese civil war and to prohibit the sale of U.S. weapons to countries that fuel the conflict. Under the leadership of Gregory Meeks, the committee's highest-ranking member, and Democratic Representative Sara Jacobs, the proposal also envisions a strategic plan to be presented by the U.S. President to Congress. This plan should include measures to ensure humanitarian aid and the establishment of peace in Sudan. Another element is the appointment of a special presidential envoy for Sudan with a five-year term to better coordinate U.S. policy and diplomatic efforts. With the impending takeover of Congress by Republicans and the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the legislative initiative is seen as a sign of growing concern in Washington. Committee members considered combining the proposal with other current legislative initiatives. The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over a transitional arrangement toward free elections, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives. The United Nations reports that almost half of the population is in need of assistance. In Darfur, violence against the non-Arab Masalit group was documented, involving numerous attacks, displacements, and crimes such as rapes. The UAE was accused of supporting the RSF, which they deny. The search for a peaceful solution is proving difficult; a recent Russian veto in the UN Security Council blocked a draft resolution to cease hostilities.