U.S. President Joe Biden demanded on Tuesday that Sudan’s warring sides immediately begin peace talks to end the conflict, which has had a devastating impact on the nation for more than 17 months.
In a statement, Biden urged all parties to cease hostilities for the sake of Sudan’s future. His remarks highlighted the need for restraint and prioritized peace, especially for General al-Burhan’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which have been carrying out brutal military operations.
The U.S. President underscored the importance of both the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in advancing peace efforts and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to aid those affected by the violence in Sudan.
More than 12,000 people have lost their lives since the conflict began on April 15, 2023, after a breakdown in the power-sharing agreement between the SAF and the RSF.
Although the SAF leadership initially worked to stabilize the country, internal disputes eventually led to the current devastating conflict, which has disproportionately affected civilians.
Expressing concern over the widespread bloodshed, Biden condemned the SAF’s indiscriminate bombings, which have primarily targeted civilians and critical infrastructure. While he called for both sides to end the fighting, Biden’s statement made it clear that the SAF’s tactics were contributing to the escalation.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on sixteen entities and individuals connected to the conflict, including those involved in SAF operations, in recent months.
Reaffirming the importance of ongoing investigations into war crimes, Biden did not rule out the possibility of further sanctions targeting those hindering peace efforts.
The international community remains deeply concerned about the situation, with many believing that the RSF’s calls for a peaceful resolution may be met if enough pressure is applied. Despite the challenges posed by the SAF’s military aggression, the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, remains committed to protecting civilians and fostering a peaceful transition in Sudan.