A top Sudanese government official has criticized the U.S. special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, calling his approach to peace negotiations “hurried and superficial.” The official, speaking anonymously, noted that while Sudan desires peace urgently, Perriello’s strategies are not conducive to achieving it.
“The envoy may have spoken about matters not meant for public discussion,” the official remarked, referencing Perriello’s recent meeting in Nairobi where he mentioned talks with the African Union about peacekeeping troops in Sudan.
The official criticized Perriello’s repeated statements as “contradictory and repetitive,” arguing that they do not reflect the reality on the ground. They added that Perriello should focus on tangible actions rather than discussions that “sometimes do more harm than good.”
Moreover, the official expressed surprise at the African Union’s proposal to deploy peacekeeping forces, questioning whether the AU was “following orders” from the envoy. They emphasized the independence of the African Union and insisted that Sudan’s actions are guided by Africa’s interests.
The official suggested Perriello should visit Sudan and engage directly with local officials to gain a better understanding of the situation. The official further dismissed Perriello’s claims that his position would remain unaffected by the upcoming U.S. elections, calling it an “indirect signal” of his pressure to act quickly for personal career interests.
Despite no confirmed date, the U.S. envoy is expected to visit Port Sudan later this month.