President Biden and his administration are making renewed efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with up to 150,000 people killed since fighting broke out last year and over half of Sudan’s citizens facing acute hunger. Aid agencies, including Mercy Corps, are struggling to reach those in need due to aid blockages by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are accused of diverting aid supplies. President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have called for an end to the conflict, but critics argue that the administration’s response has been too little, too late.
The United States has been the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Sudan, providing over $2 billion in assistance since the start of Fiscal Year 2023 for needs in Sudan and neighboring countries. However, peace talks have not been effective in ending the conflict, with both sides showing little interest in political negotiations. Analysts argue that the administration should focus on increasing humanitarian access and saving lives before it leaves office, rather than pursuing talks that are unlikely to lead to genuine change on the ground.
Mercy Corps warns that hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths could occur in Sudan if immediate action is not taken to address the crisis. Children are particularly vulnerable, with widespread disease outbreaks including cholera, malaria, dengue fever, measles, and rubella. UNICEF reports that 3.4 million children under the age of 5 are at high risk from epidemic diseases. Analysts suggest that President Biden should support an International Criminal Court (ICC) indictment and sanction the leadership of the warring factions in Sudan to prevent them from rehabilitating their images as legitimate political figures.
The world has been called upon to end the conflict in Sudan and insist on a negotiated solution. The United States and its international partners are unified in calling for the parties to immediately cease fighting and adhere to international humanitarian law. Aid agencies continue to face challenges in delivering lifesaving aid due to aid blockages and attacks on aid workers and civilians. Despite efforts to address the crisis, the situation in Sudan remains dire, with millions in need of urgent assistance.
President Biden’s administration has been criticized for its lack of consistent engagement with the conflict in Sudan. While strong words from Biden, Harris, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have called for an end to the conflict, analysts argue that more concrete actions are needed to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. With millions in Sudan facing starvation, disease, and displacement, urgent intervention is required to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
As the Biden administration approaches the end of its term, the focus shifts to the legacy it will leave in addressing the crisis in Sudan. Analysts emphasize the importance of meeting expectations set by the administration’s promises to re-engage with Africa and elevate partnerships with the continent. The administration’s response to the crisis in Sudan will be a test of its commitment to addressing humanitarian emergencies and conflict resolution on the global stage.
