Dec 31, 2024 Story by: Editor
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Leading Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Gregory Meeks, Summer Lee, and Barbara Lee, are urging President Biden to take immediate action to protect Sudanese civilians and expand humanitarian aid as the conflict in Sudan continues to escalate.
In a significant push, Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Representatives Summer Lee and Barbara Lee, are introducing legislation that would impose sanctions on both sides of Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The bill also seeks to prevent the sale of American weapons to countries contributing to the conflict.
The proposed legislation, backed by a bipartisan effort, would require the U.S. president to submit a strategy to Congress, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and working towards a peaceful resolution in Sudan. Additionally, the bill aims to create a five-year term for a Special Presidential Envoy for Sudan, tasked with coordinating U.S. diplomatic and policy efforts in the region.
“Civilian protection is a huge issue, and hasn’t been getting enough attention,” said a Democratic committee staffer.
The situation in Sudan, where war erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions. The United Nations estimates that nearly 25 million people—half of Sudan’s population—require humanitarian assistance, with famine threats growing.
The conflict, especially in Darfur, has led to widespread violence, including targeted killings, expulsions, and sexual violence against the non-Arab Masalit group. The RSF denies its involvement in these atrocities. There are also credible reports, according to U.N. sanctions monitors, that the United Arab Emirates has provided military support to the RSF, although the UAE denies any involvement in the conflict.
One Democratic Foreign Affairs staffer highlighted the RSF’s reliance on significant foreign military support to sustain its offensive. “What’s lacking is a response and accountability,” the staffer remarked, referring to the UAE’s alleged role in supporting the RSF.
Despite international efforts to resolve the crisis, progress has been slow. Last month, Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council draft resolution that called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access, further complicating peace efforts. The U.S. has traditionally regarded the UAE as a key regional security partner, with the UAE being recognized as a major defense partner in September, which allows for closer military cooperation.
As the situation in Sudan continues to worsen, Representatives Summer Lee, Gregory Meeks, and Barbara Lee are leading the charge for a comprehensive U.S. response to both protect Sudanese civilians and provide critical humanitarian assistance. Source: Reuters
