In a powerful address to the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken called for urgent action to address the catastrophic situation unfolding in Sudan. Six years after the Sudanese people rose up to overthrow a dictatorship in pursuit of democracy, Blinken lamented how the hopes of the revolution have been shattered by a devastating military conflict that has plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale.
In his remarks, Blinken highlighted the suffering of millions of Sudanese who have endured extreme violence, hunger, and displacement since the 2021 military coup and the subsequent outbreak of brutal fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. He underscored the critical role of the international community in stopping the violence, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and supporting Sudan’s transition back to a civilian-led democracy.
A Nation in Crisis
Reflecting on the historic uprising that began on December 19, 2018, Blinken recalled the image of Alaa Salah, the young protestor who became a symbol of Sudan’s revolution. “We grinned with freedom on our face,” one student protester had said back then. Today, however, Blinken painted a starkly different picture. “Six years later, we see hunger and despair on too many Sudanese faces,” he said, describing the dire conditions in the country, where entire populations are now living in fear of daily atrocities.
The U.S. Secretary of State pointed to horrifying reports of widespread war crimes and human rights abuses, including attacks on civilians, markets, hospitals, and refugee camps. Women and girls have been subjected to brutal sexual violence, and in regions like Zamzam, people are forced to eat grass and peanut shells due to a lack of food. “By some estimates, a child dies every two hours for lack of food,” Blinken said, describing the suffering faced by innocent civilians caught in the conflict.
A Global Crisis
Blinken warned that Sudan’s crisis is not just a regional issue; its impact is being felt well beyond its borders. More than 3 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries, placing immense strain on host nations like Chad and Egypt. At the same time, outside powers are fueling the conflict by supplying arms and military support to both warring parties. “Failure to act in Sudan threatens the peace and security that this council is charged with preserving,” Blinken asserted.
The United States, Blinken emphasized, has worked tirelessly to provide humanitarian assistance and diplomatic support. Since the onset of the conflict, the U.S. has provided over $2.3 billion in aid, making it the largest donor to Sudan’s relief efforts.
U.S. Efforts and Humanitarian Initiatives
As part of ongoing international efforts to address the crisis, the U.S. has played a leading role in launching the Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) initiative, co-hosted with Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE. The initiative, which also involves the African Union and the United Nations, has helped facilitate vital humanitarian operations, such as the reopening of key transportation corridors and the resumption of air operations that have allowed aid to reach more than 3.5 million Sudanese people.
In addition, U.S. leadership has led to the vaccination of over 1.4 million Sudanese against cholera, and the U.S. has supported the delivery of essential aid to hard-hit areas. However, Blinken was clear: this progress, while vital, is not enough. He called for the international community to step up and intensify efforts to meet the overwhelming humanitarian needs in Sudan.
Four Steps to Accelerate Aid and Peace
Blinken proposed four critical measures to address the humanitarian crisis and help end the conflict in Sudan:
- Increase Aid Deliveries: Blinken urged that humanitarian assistance be increased significantly, from 19,000 metric tons distributed in November to 40,000 metric tons every month. He stressed the importance of opening more humanitarian corridors and ensuring that aid reaches all parts of the country, including those controlled by both warring parties.
- Pressure the Warring Parties: Blinken emphasized that both the SAF and RSF must be pressed to uphold international law and stop targeting civilians. He called for the establishment of a compliance mechanism, with representation from both sides, to monitor adherence to agreements and prevent further atrocities. The U.S. is committed to holding accountable those responsible for war crimes, including through sanctions and other means.
- Hold External Actors Accountable: Blinken denounced the external actors who continue to fuel the conflict by supplying weapons, mercenaries, and funding. He cited a recent U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a nationwide ceasefire and the unhindered flow of aid, which was vetoed by Russia. “To those profiting off the illicit oil and gold trade that funds this conflict – enough,” Blinken said, urging international partners to use their influence to end the war and stop exacerbating the crisis.
- Support Sudan’s Democratic Transition: Blinken concluded by emphasizing the need to restore Sudan’s transition to civilian-led governance, a goal echoed by the African Union. To that end, the U.S. will work with Congress to provide $30 million in support for Sudanese civil society, with a focus on amplifying the voices of civilians in the ongoing dialogue about Sudan’s future.
A Call to Mobilize
Blinken closed his remarks by invoking the Sudanese concept of nafeer, which means “a call to mobilize” in Sudanese Arabic. “Even as the bombs continue to fall, the people of Sudan are not waiting to lead. They are banding together to support one another and rebuild their nation,” Blinken said, citing the selfless efforts of Sudanese volunteers who are working to provide food, medical care, and support to their communities. He called on the international community to answer the Sudanese call for help, underscoring that “we too should mobilize.”
“I ask you—let’s seize this moment,” Blinken concluded. “We have a responsibility—to stop the suffering, to end this war, and to support the Sudanese people so that freedom is once again on their faces.”
The International Community’s Role
The Security Council’s response to Sudan’s crisis remains a critical factor in shaping the country’s future. Blinken’s remarks served as a rallying cry for increased international pressure and greater support for the Sudanese people as they fight for their right to peace, stability, and democratic governance.
As the world watches, the hope remains that collective action will help bring an end to Sudan’s nightmare and allow the dreams of its people to finally be realized.