Will Trump Take Action to End the War in Sudan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump's engagement in Sudan follows a request from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince.
- The civil war has resulted in a staggering 150,000 lives lost.
- Efforts to stabilize Sudan will involve collaboration with regional partners.
- The situation is dire, with famine looming in several areas.
- International mediation has so far been ineffective in halting the violence.
Washington, Nov 20 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump announced his intention to initiate efforts aimed at concluding the civil war in Sudan following a request from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This marks a potential escalation of the United States' involvement in a conflict that has claimed the lives of over 150,000 individuals and brought the nation close to famine.
During the US-Saudi Investment Forum held in Washington on Wednesday, Trump revealed that Sudan had not been part of his foreign policy agenda until the Crown Prince discussed the issue during their recent discussions at the White House.
"It wasn't on my radar to be involved in that. I considered it merely chaotic and uncontrollable," Trump stated to the audience. "However, I recognize its significance to you and many others present...We have already commenced work on it."
Shortly after, in a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to the "immense atrocities" occurring in Sudan, labeling it as "the most violent location on Earth and... the largest humanitarian crisis."
He noted that Arab leaders, especially the esteemed Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, had urged him to leverage the power of the US presidency to cease the ongoing conflict. Trump committed to collaborating with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern allies to stabilize Sudan.
This indicates a change in Trump's approach, as he previously suggested the US had remained uninvolved in the ongoing strife.
Earlier this month, the State Department disclosed that it was engaging with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary organization, and the Sudanese military to seek a resolution to the violence.
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned on November 4 that the US had been coordinating with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and others to establish a peace process addressing humanitarian needs and long-term political challenges. A UN-backed food security monitor has already indicated that famine is a reality in several regions of Sudan.
Since its outbreak in April 2023, the war has resulted in millions being displaced and raised accusations of genocide in Darfur. Efforts for international mediation have thus far failed to stop the violence.