On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on the warring parties in Sudan to use the New Year as a real opportunity to reach a humanitarian truce that would end the suffering of millions in the war-torn country, urging the international community and influential countries to use their influence to push for peace.
Rubio confirmed during a press conference that the US administration is giving this matter its utmost attention, saying: "99% of our focus is currently on this humanitarian truce and working to reach it as quickly as possible," stressing the need to stop hostilities to enable the delivery of aid.
New Year's opportunity for peace
The US Secretary of State added, "We believe the new year presents a great opportunity for both sides to agree on a ceasefire, and we are doing our utmost in this regard." These remarks come at a time of increasing international warnings about the worsening catastrophic situation in Sudan.
Background of the conflict and its disastrous consequences
Sudan has been engulfed in widespread devastation since the outbreak of war in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. This armed conflict, which began as clashes in the capital, Khartoum, has escalated into a full-blown war encompassing Darfur and other states, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians and the destruction of the country's vital infrastructure.
International reports indicate that Sudan is facing one of the world's worst displacement crises, with millions forced to flee their homes, either internally displaced to safer states or seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. These waves of displacement have been accompanied by widespread human rights abuses and famine, which now threaten large segments of the population.
US concerns about aid being targeted
In his remarks, Rubio expressed deep concern over credible reports of deliberate attacks on humanitarian aid convoys, which are hindering the delivery of food and medicine to those in need. He said, "What is happening there is appalling; it is horrific. Both sides have violated their international and humanitarian obligations.".
He went on to warn of the historical consequences of these violations: "The day will come when the true story of what happened there will be known, and everyone involved will look very bad in the eyes of history and justice.".
International and regional role
The US Secretary of State concluded his remarks by emphasizing the crucial role of external powers in the conflict, noting that the solution lies not only within Sudan but also requires regional and international pressure. He added, "We hope to make some progress on this front, but we know that to achieve real progress, external actors will need to use their influence to pressure the warring parties.".
This US diplomatic move comes in an attempt to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation, amid fears that the continuation of the war could destabilize the entire Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, making a truce urgent for international peace and security.
