PRESIDENT Joe Biden has signed an executive order that lays the groundwork for potential Sudan-related sanctions. Biden called the ongoing power struggle in the country a ‘betrayal’ of its citizens, as fierce fighting between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues. The conflict is unlikely to end soon, according to US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, who warned that both sides believe they can win militarily and have few incentives to negotiate.
‘The violence taking place in Sudan is a tragedy – and it is a betrayal of the Sudanese people’s clear demand for civilian government and a transition to democracy,’ Biden said in a statement. ‘The United States is already responding to this unfolding humanitarian crisis and stands ready to support enhanced humanitarian assistanc
e when conditions allow.’
The UN has warned that the fighting, which erupted on April 15, risks causing a humanitarian catastrophe that could spill into other countries. Sudan said on Tuesday that 550 people had died and 4,926 people been wounded so far in the conflict, while about 100,000 people have fled Sudan with little food or water to neighbouring countries.
Haines told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that the conflict is likely to be protracted because both sides believe they can win militarily and have few incentives to negotiate. She added that both sides are seeking ‘external sources of support,’ which if forthcoming, ‘is likely to intensify the conflict and create a greater potential for spillover challenges in the region.’
The ongoing violence is worsening ‘already dire humanitarian conditions’ and forcing aid organisations to curtail operations amid growing fears of ‘massive refugee flows,’ according to Haines. Biden said Washington would keep using diplomacy to create a ‘durable ceasefire,’ allow humanitarian access, and assist Ameri
can citizens who remain in the country.
