US Declares Sudan's Warring Factions Ineligible to Govern, Threatens Increased Pressure

The US State Department stated on Tuesday that the leaders on both sides of Sudan's civil war are ineligible to rule the country, while issuing a warning that Washington intends to increase pressure on those fueling the conflict.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the Rapid Support Forces—nor their respective leaders—represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan.

"They rule through force of arms alone," Mr Pigott said. "The conduct of each leader of the warring factions renders them ineligible to govern the country. We seek to restore peace and give power back to the Sudanese people."

The US has been escalating pressure on the nation's warring generals, SAF head Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and Gen Mohamed Dagalo, who commands the RSF.

"The United States and President [Donald] Trump stand ready to work with anyone who is a serious partner for peace in Sudan," Mr Pigott said. "In the meantime, we will seek to raise the cost of continued conflict on all belligerents and the networks which fuel the conflict."

As the UN General Assembly commenced in New York on Tuesday, the US had yet to issue a visa for Gen Al Burhan, sources informed The National. He was scheduled to deliver his country’s address at the UN, despite facing accusations of war crimes.

Mr Pigott noted that neither the SAF nor the RSF had made serious commitments to an immediate truce, opting instead to redouble combat operations and drone strikes, many of which result in civilian casualties.

"We have repeatedly asked the two parties to accept a humanitarian truce as presented without preconditions, and to commit to an inclusive political dialogue that leads to a transition to a civilian government," he stated. "These are essential steps to achieving a durable peace in Sudan."

The ongoing conflict between the SAF and the RSF has devastated the nation of 50 million people and severely damaged its economy. International diplomatic efforts to halt the war have struggled to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities. Both generals have been accused of war crimes and currently face sanctions imposed by the US and other nations.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Sudan last week as "absolutely horrible" and urged that countries supplying weapons to the conflict be held accountable.