On Friday, U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello announced a renewed push for an arms embargo targeting both factions in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. Speaking from Geneva, Perriello underscored the United States’ commitment to working with global partners, including Russia and China, to increase humanitarian aid and halt the violence.
In his briefing, Perriello outlined the current diplomatic landscape, noting that the U.S. has been engaged in intense negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and reviving peace talks. However, these efforts have encountered obstacles due to the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) refusal to join the discussions, which are being led by international mediators.
Perriello revealed that although some Sudanese military leaders are reportedly open to negotiations, they face considerable opposition from certain political factions. While he did not identify these factions specifically, he suggested that their resistance has been a major barrier to the peace process. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have repeatedly accused the Islamic Movement and jihadist elements within the armed forces of prolonging the conflict.
In a significant development, Perriello confirmed that the United States is ready to collaborate with any willing partner, including Russia and China, to facilitate humanitarian aid, safeguard civilians, and work towards ending the conflict. The conflict in Sudan has drawn in various international actors, with reports of military support for the warring factions from countries such as the UAE, Russia, and Iran.
It has been reported that the RSF has received aid from the UAE, while the Sudanese army is alleged to have received military support from Moscow and Tehran. Perriello stressed the urgent need for both humanitarian aid and a cessation of arms exports, alongside a return to peace talks.
The Special Envoy criticized General al-Burhan and his SAF for their role in the ongoing conflict, particularly their refusal to engage in negotiations, which he argued has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The Geneva talks concluded with the establishment of a Conduct Mechanism designed to protect civilians and address grievances. While the RSF has approved this mechanism, the SAF has yet to endorse it.
RSF leadership has repeatedly called for negotiations to end the conflict even though the group holds the upper hand in the battlefield and has routed al-Burhan’s army and its allied jihadist militias in Sennar and Darfur states.
The refusal of the army-run Sudanese government to participate in the Geneva negotiations, combined with its objections to the UAE’s involvement and demands for a prepared agenda, has further complicated the situation. The Geneva consultations also led to the formation of an international alliance, including the United States, the United Nations, the African Union, IGAD, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, committed to continuing efforts to end the war and support the Sudanese people.