U.S. lawmakers have introduced a proposal requiring the Biden administration to use its influence at the United Nations to delegitimize Sudan’s current government.
The amendment, submitted by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal to bill H.R. 5300, calls on the State Department and the U.S. permanent representative to the UN to push for unrestricted humanitarian access, document violations including war crimes and crimes against humanity, protect civilians, and press for an end to hostilities.
It also instructs the U.S. to work with the UN General Assembly’s Credentials Committee to invoke Rule 29 of the Assembly’s rules of procedure, potentially rejecting Sudan’s current delegation and suspending or reallocating its seat until a civilian or democratically elected government takes office.
The proposal further seeks to expand the Darfur arms embargo to cover all of Sudan and requires the State Department to report within 120 days on the obstacles facing local organizations in delivering humanitarian aid.
Analysts said the move represents an escalation that risks plunging Sudan into international isolation at a time of deepening humanitarian catastrophe, with millions displaced and famine spreading. If passed, it would weaken Khartoum’s ability to defend its position in global forums and increase pressure for a new political process.
Diplomats, however, cautioned that U.S. success is not guaranteed. While Western nations and the EU are expected to support the measure, Russia and China are likely to oppose it as interference in domestic affairs. Regional powers such as Egypt and South Africa may also resist, citing direct implications for regional stability.
Experts noted that UN legitimacy battles are often decided by political power rather than legal precedent, citing historical cases involving South Africa, Libya, and Afghanistan. With the international community divided, Sudan’s seat at the UN remains uncertain — whether it will be suspended, reassigned, or left unchanged.
