US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday announced that Tom Perriello is the new special envoy for Sudan, as the country faces escalating warfare, mass violence, and a potential famine.
Since April 2023, the Sudanese Army led by Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan has been battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces led by Gen Mohamed Dagalo.
“Special envoy Perriello will co-ordinate the US policy on Sudan and advance our efforts to end the hostilities, secure unhindered humanitarian access and support the Sudanese people as they seek to fulfil their aspirations for freedom, peace and justice,” Mr Blinken said.
Mr Perriello is a former Democratic Congressman with State Department experience in Africa.
The Virginia native was special envoy for the African Great Lakes Region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2015 to 2016.
“I’m honoured to accept the role of US special envoy for Sudan,” Mr Perriello said on social media platform X.
“President Biden and Secretary Blinken are clear about the urgency and importance of ending this war, its atrocities and the risk of catastrophic famine.”
Don Cheadle, actor, activist, Advisory Board Member of The Sentry, said: “Millions of Sudanese face horrific violence and potential starvation. President Biden’s decision to step up and appoint a Special Envoy is an important and welcomed development.”
He further said Tom Perriello is a strong choice to lead efforts in support of peace in Sudan, given his track record of diplomatic success in the region.
“The Sudanese people need a ceasefire and full humanitarian access immediately,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, John Prendergast, Co-Founder of The Sentry, said: “The appointment of a US Special Envoy to Sudan represents a desperately needed boost to peacemaking efforts in that war-shattered country. The choice of Tom Perriello, an experienced diplomat with a track-record of success in Africa, is a sign that President Biden and Secretary Blinken are escalating America’s commitment to solving this crisis.”
He added, “With genocide again unfolding in Darfur and the country on the brink of a catastrophic famine, time is of the essence. With this support and continued bipartisan advocacy from Congress, the Envoy must immediately accelerate efforts to produce a ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and a just, inclusive political transition.”