America… The Responsibility to Stop the Fighting in Sudan

Sudan Events – Agencies

The U.S. administration has reaffirmed its deep engagement in Sudan, maintaining that it will not take sides in the ongoing conflict but will continue to support the Sudanese people and their aspirations for a civilian-led government. In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat—the first of its kind with a U.S. official under President Donald Trump regarding Sudan—Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, Mignon Houston, stated that this stance remains unchanged despite recent military gains by the Sudanese army.

Houston emphasized the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, highlighting close cooperation between the Trump administration and regional countries to ensure an end to the conflict. She stressed that the U.S. is committed to “guaranteeing a ceasefire to create conditions for a civilian-led government that grants the Sudanese people what they deserve,” asserting that Washington will not back down from this effort. She also reiterated the continuation of accountability policies through sanctions and the importance of ongoing humanitarian aid efforts.

“We recognize that the situation in Sudan is catastrophic. It is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. What is happening in Sudan is deeply regrettable, and it is important for the global community to know that the United States remains highly engaged in this issue,” Houston said. She added that the U.S. administration is working on multiple fronts, including diplomatic efforts with the African Union, the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as Saudi Arabia and other nations.

Washington Ready to Apply Pressure

Houston clarified that Washington is prepared to exert pressure to halt hostilities, recognizing that this is the only path to achieving lasting peace in Sudan, fostering unity, and securing the future the Sudanese people deserve.

She reaffirmed that the United States has been explicit about its objectives in Sudan, stating, “We have been very clear that any intervention by partners and other nations in the Sudanese crisis must be constructive and aimed at ending hostilities. Otherwise, these countries would be complicit in prolonging the conflict, exacerbating the suffering of Sudanese civilians, and fostering further instability, which will not lead to peace.”

The U.S. administration is also actively engaged in humanitarian efforts, working alongside implementing partners to support the essential needs of Sudanese people and refugees in neighboring countries while assisting host nations in accommodating them. Houston underscored the importance of accountability measures concerning sanctions.

Currently, Washington has imposed 31 sanctions on both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces. According to Houston, these sanctions serve as a crucial tool to pressure both warring parties into negotiations, end hostilities, and deliver justice to the Sudanese people.

A Long-Term Commitment to Sudan

When asked about favoring one side over another, Houston firmly stated, “We have been very clear that both parties have engaged in harmful actions, destabilized the country, and created widespread instability. We have urged both sides to work together to establish a political process that will create conditions for a civilian-led government.”

She also called on regional partners to continue playing a constructive role in bringing both parties to the table, emphasizing that “focusing on the needs of the Sudanese people is more important than anything else.”

Houston stressed that Washington’s commitment “is to the Sudanese people, to achieving lasting peace, and to stopping hostilities—this commitment is unwavering.” She affirmed that under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the U.S. State Department continues to work with partners on the ground to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Additionally, the administration continues to urge regional actors and international governments to increase their efforts and contributions, as the crises in Sudan and South Sudan highlight the necessity of global cooperation to resolve the conflict.

No Investment Amid Weapons

The U.S. official made it clear that economic progress and investment efforts cannot be supported unless the conflict is brought to an end. “At this moment, our focus remains on the Sudanese people and ending the fighting, as both parties bear responsibility for Sudan’s devastation and regional instability. Therefore, our priority is to bring both sides to the negotiating table to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.”

She noted that during the first two weeks of March, 2.1 million people received critical humanitarian aid as they were on the brink of famine. Regarding sanctions, Houston reaffirmed their importance as a tool to push the warring factions toward ceasing hostilities.