Sudan: Diplomatic Setbacks Undermine U.S. Approach to Sudan
[allAfrica] Khartoum -- Over the past two weeks, Washington has suffered a series of humiliating diplomatic defeats in its effort to force Sudanese authorities into a ceasefire deal they were not prepared to sign and that conditions on the ground did not support.
Since the summer, Sudan's military has achieved a series of tactical victories, effectively quelling a new front in Blue Nile state and pushing back the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Kordofan. These wins position the army to potentially retake Darfur, force the RSF out of its heartland, and present a credible case to the Sudanese people and the international community for country reunification.
However, signing a ceasefire deal now is premature and could be a strategic blunder. The U.S. campaign to expand the UN arms embargo beyond Darfur to the entire country was ill-conceived and poorly executed, failing to secure necessary votes and win over African members of the Security Council. The administration's inexperience and naivete in diplomacy were on display when they withheld a visa, prompting criticism from U.S. allies, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The U.S. has struggled to find its strategic footing in Sudan, with inconsistencies in messaging from the Trump administration. To change direction, the administration should undertake a listening tour of key capitals, visit Khartoum, and meet with Sudan's military and civilian leaders, as well as politicians. These steps could help rebuild trust and lead international efforts to end Sudan's conflict.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
