The Washington Post: America Must Act to Stop Genocide in Sudan
Sudan Events – Agencies
In an editorial, The Washington Post warned against the United States once again failing to act in the face of mass atrocities, as it did 50 years ago when it ignored the genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.
The newspaper called for immediate and effective action to stop the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Sudan, which it described as the worst in the world today. It noted that on April 15, Sudan’s civil war entered its third year, having already left around 150,000 people dead and displaced more than 12 million.
The editorial pointed out that the U.S. State Department had officially declared that what is happening in the Darfur region constitutes genocide, in light of systematic killings and sexual violence against the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur.
RSF Committing Atrocities
The paper added that the State Department identified the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti,” as responsible for these atrocities, confirming earlier statements made by former President Joe Biden’s administration.
The editorial argues that merely declaring genocide is not enough; urgent action on the ground is needed. It draws a troubling parallel between the current situation in Sudan and the international silence that accompanied the Cambodian massacres in the 1970s.
It noted that at the time, the United States ignored reports of mass executions in Cambodia despite evidence, due to the political embarrassment caused by the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.
Sudan’s Unity at Risk
Today, The Washington Post says, the tragedy is repeating itself in Sudan due to a power struggle. While the Sudanese army has recently regained control of Khartoum, Hemedti has established a stronghold in the west and declared a parallel government—threatening to divide the country and escalate ethnic killings.
The editorial explains that the complexity of Sudan’s conflict stems from overlapping regional interests. Despite this complexity, the paper warns that ignoring the tragedy would be both a moral and strategic mistake.
What Trump Should Do
The newspaper suggests that Washington should avoid direct military intervention, but could apply diplomatic pressure by halting arms sales to Hemedti’s regional backers, imposing sanctions, and appointing a special envoy to reinvigorate peace efforts.
It concludes by urging U.S. President Donald Trump—who is seeking to reinforce his image as a peacemaker—to make Sudan a priority. By supporting efforts to end the war, he could help stop the genocide and alleviate the suffering of millions of Sudanese people.
