Rubio announces Trump's involvement in Sudan peace efforts amidst ongoing civil war

The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, confirmed that President Donald Trump has taken a direct role in the efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has devastated the civilian population for nearly three years. During a White House cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Rubio emphasized that Trump is the only leader in the world capable of resolving the Sudan crisis. Last month, Trump revealed plans to collaborate with the Quad nationsthe United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egyptalong with other regional partners to bring the brutal 30-month conflict to an end.

In a speech at a U.S. conference, Trump stated that he had been urged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to intervene and end the conflict in Sudan. Trump described the country as one of the most violent places on Earth, plagued by the worlds largest humanitarian crisis. He noted that global leaders have appealed for his intervention, urging him to leverage his influence to halt the violence.

The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023 when the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), loyal to the government, clashed with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control of strategic regions, including the capital city, Khartoum. Peace talks have been hindered by recent RSF advances, making any resolution more complicated.

Earlier this week, the RSF claimed to have captured Babnusa, a key city in the central region of West Kordofan. The SAF, however, denied these claims. Babnusa is crucial as it serves as a gateway to western Sudan, including Darfur, a region the RSF fully took over last month. The RSFs progress has been marked by their takeover of el-Fasher, the last army-controlled city in Darfur, after an 18-month siege. The RSF has been accused of committing serious atrocities during their assault on el-Fasher.

The recent fighting threatens the ceasefire previously declared by the RSF, following mediation efforts by the Quad nations. The SAF rejected the ceasefire, arguing that the terms favored the RSF. The SAF also accused the UAEs involvement in the Quad of being biased and designed to undermine the Sudanese military.

The UAE has faced accusations of supporting the RSF with funding and arms, though it has denied any involvement. United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk expressed concern this week that the ongoing violence could lead to further atrocities. The UN Human Rights Council has already launched an inquiry into reported war crimes, including mass killings, rape, torture, and forced displacement of non-Arab ethnic groups following the RSF's seizure of el-Fasher.

According to UN reports, more than 40,000 people have died as a result of the war, though aid organizations suggest the actual number may be much higher. The conflict has displaced millions, and parts of Sudan are facing severe food shortages, making it the worlds largest humanitarian crisis.

Author: Connor Blake