United States Urged to Redesignate Groups in Sudan for Peace

Fighting along Sudan’s central front line is intensifying, threatening international peace efforts and worsening an existing humanitarian crisis. This escalation is significant both strategically and morally, pressing the United States to intensify actions aimed at peace.

The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to pressure them toward negotiations. The next step involves designating the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Such a label would disrupt the RSF’s weapon supplies linked to the UAE, demonstrating a commitment to peace.

The RSF’s current position is unstable, as ongoing stalemates and their aggressive tactics have strained their resources. Recent military initiatives by the RSF, including a drive towards El Obeid, mark an increase in conflict. However, SAF’s control over key supply lines provides them with potential leverage for future offensives.

Humanitarian groups warn of mass casualties and war crimes near El Obeid, highlighting RSF’s tactics that include indiscriminate violence against civilians. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has reportedly allowed commanders to launch new offensives, escalating violence against civilians.

This ongoing conflict also impacts broader regional stability. The Horn of Africa has seen increasing influence from Islamist factions within SAF due to their role against the RSF. Smuggling across the Red Sea has been facilitated by the conflict, involving actors like Iran and Russia. U.S. allies are affected by this shift, making stability in the region a strategic necessity for the United States.

Calling for the RSF’s FTO designation aligns with bipartisan U.S. interests, removing support networks despite international opposition. Although this might challenge U.S. relations with the UAE, it offers the UAE a chance to withdraw support without severe repercussions.

While focusing more on the RSF, the U.S. should maintain engagement with the SAF, considering its role in post-war Sudan. The SAF’s ongoing reduction of ties with controversial entities like Iran and Russia indicates potential for a stable relationship with Western allies.

“Failure to act decisively risks continued violence and strategic loses in a region pivotal to global peace and stability.”

Liam Karr and Michael DeAngelo analyze African crises for the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute. These views are their own.