U.S. President Joe Biden has called on Sudan’s warring factions to recommence negotiations and put an end to the conflict that has ravaged the country for over 17 months. In a statement released on Tuesday, Biden urged all parties involved to cease violence and engage in dialogue for the sake of Sudan’s future and its people.
“We call for all parties to this conflict to end this violence and refrain from fueling it, for the future of Sudan and for all of the Sudanese people,” Biden said. He specifically addressed the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), urging them to withdraw their forces, allow humanitarian access, and return to peace talks.
Since the conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, following a power struggle between the SAF and RSF, more than 12,000 people have lost their lives. The fighting, which began after the RSF and the army, previously allies in a coup, clashed, has increasingly targeted civilians. Biden condemned the RSF’s actions as disproportionately harmful and criticized the SAF for indiscriminate bombings that have devastated civilian lives and infrastructure.
The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on 16 individuals and entities associated with the conflict, following its determination that war crimes have been committed by both sides. Biden indicated that the U.S. will continue to monitor the situation and consider additional measures in response to further atrocities.