U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello has said in the last year and a half, the U.S. has been steadily increasing the costs on the RSF and the Daglo family for their violations of war and against the Sudanese people.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, the envoy also reveals the U.S. is also working with more colleagues around the world to join in holding the warring parties accountable for their actions and to bring the war to an end so that Sudanese can realize their aspirations for democratic civilian rule.
Below are edited excerpts:
Q: What is the humanitarian situation and status of humanitarian corridors in Sudan at the moment?
A: On one hand we are glad to have progress that millions of people in Sudan are getting emergency food and medicine compared to months ago. But it is still not nearly enough and we need to make sure that every single state in Darfur has access to emergency food and medicine. Civilians must be also protected from shelling and bombing by the warring factions, particularly where they are gathered in displaced camps.
We have made progress in saving a lot of lives but we have a long way to go to meet the needs of the Sudanese people.
Q: There have been attacks on hospitals in Khartoum lately. Have you engaged the warring parties to stop these attacks?
A: We have made it absolutely clear that this is outrageous and all civilians must be protected. We are horrified by attacks on hospitals and displaced persons camps and we have communicated very clearly to the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that these are violations of the laws of war and the United States will continue to impose costs for violating the laws of war. You have seen us do additional sanctions this week on RSF leader [Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa (Hemedti)] for this and we continue to make that a clear part of our negotiations with the parties that not only it must stop but that there are consequences for those violations.
Q: What is the intended impact of the sanctions on the RSF leader?
A: He cannot participate in any of the global banking and financial systems and it also has visa restrictions. As you know, we previously sanctioned two of the other Daglo brothers and several of the companies that are connected to their weapons procurement. In the last year and a half, the U.S. has been steadily increasing the costs on the RSF and the Daglo family for their violations of war and against the Sudanese people. We are also working with more colleagues around the world to join us in that and we have done work with the United Nations on the Darfur arms embargo for international sanctions in some cases.
Q: Have the previous sanctions have an impact?
A: It is very similar to your question on humanitarian aid, we have made huge gains on humanitarian aid and millions more have food but millions more do not have food. So, it is the same thing here and there is some progress but what we want is an end to this war. We are not going to be satisfied until we see a national ceasefire and a restoration of the transition to civilian authority.
So, sanctions are one part of raising the cost of doing war and doing terrible things to the Sudanese people but that has to be part of a broader diplomatic strategy towards achieving peace.
Q: Is there any new peace initiative to end the war?
A: We have seen more countries start to get involved and we are continuing along with the Saudis and others to work for this. Unfortunately, right now both the army and RSF seem committed to trying to resolve this war through violence and fighting. We believe that is the wrong strategy for both sides because there is no military solution and the sooner that is realized, the sooner the war will end and there will be restoration of power to the people of Sudan. Unfortunately what we see is more fighting.
Q: Is there new funding to help the people displaced by war in Sudan?
A: The U.S. has continued to commit hundreds of millions of dollars to support the people of Sudan, both internally displaced people and those who have fled the country as refugees. We are seeing additional support from the United Kingdom recently and we are trying to raise more funds from around the world but it is not nearly enough. As we enter the second year of the war, those outside the country are finding difficulties in trying to take exams or trying to find work. We are aware of how acute the suffering is.
Q: What is your reading of the warring parties recruiting more fighters?
A: We have seen more weapons and fighters coming in and we have seen the RSF threatening to start their government. We have also seen the government in Port Sudan announcing rules on currency that are only making it harder for ordinary people in the country to buy basic goods and services. These are very negative and the sooner the parties come to the table and reach a ceasefire agreement, the sooner we can start to address these concerns.
Q: As a parting shot, what message do you want to give the government and citizens of Sudan?
A: My message to the people of Sudan is that the people of the United States stand in solidarity with them. We have been very clear from the beginning of this war that we do not support the army or RSF, we support the people of Sudan and their aspirations for a democratic future. All those who have stood in the way of that aspiration need to stand down.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been working to draw world attention to Sudan, trying to raise more humanitarian funds for Sudan, and every week we work to get a few more access routes for humanitarian aid and medicines in Sudan. We will continue with efforts so that we can see peace and a transition to civilian rule.
Q: Do you think the political changes in the U.S. will affect the efforts to attain peace in Sudan?
A: I can tell you that there is a tremendous commitment to Sudan and the peace process. I cannot speak for the incoming administration but I can state that the U.S. will remain deeply committed to people and peace in Sudan.