The flames of war are spreading in Sudan —the time for action is now 

With strong bipartisan encouragement from members of Congress and civil society, the Biden Administration has appointed: Sudan’s new envoy, Thomas Perriello. He is a respected diplomat and former member of parliament.

Perriello, who has already traveled the region, is facing a burgeoning problem. humanitarian catastrophe In Sudan. Very few people know about it because it mostly takes place off-camera. But remember 20 years ago. Only after months of unreported horror People around the world have finally been shocked after seeing footage of genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region.

And five years ago, Sudan became a symbol of hope. Democracy advocates around the world were inspired by this country’s democracy. popular peaceful demonstration – and that many young women Among their leaders, it resulted Overthrow of the dictatorial Bashir regime It was the beginning of a process that would lead to a democratic civilian government.

But two and a half years ago, that process halted by military coupIt is led by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose members and leadership are drawn primarily from the Janjaweed “devils on horseback” who terrorized Darfur. It is. Few people outside Sudan paid attention to the coup. The coup leaders also paid no real price for their actions.

The disaster occurred last April after diplomatic efforts by the United States and others to get the democratic process back on some kind of track failed. a civil war broke out A clash broke out between the two armies, with devastating results. Few outside of Sudan’s neighboring countries are showing great concern, but we should be.

This mostly happened off-camera, but first consider this: personnel costs, as fighting and bombing destroyed both urban neighborhoods and rural areas across the country. Thousands of people were killed. More than half of the population requires humanitarian assistance. More than 10 million people have left their homes or become homeless. The number of internally displaced persons is more than 7 million people, including 3 million children, more than any other country. Rape is widespread, with more than 4 million women and girls at risk of sexual violence.

The magnitude of these numbers can make us dumbfounded until we remember that each number represents a human being. Just like each of us. Like our friends and family.

According to analysts, the fighting was very intense; Spring harvest may be damaged, causing widespread starvation. Hunger is already widespread, particularly in the Darfur region. Millions of Sudanese could face starvation early this summer.

Yes, we are transfixed by the horrors of Ukraine and the Middle East. Certainly international cameras could widen their horizons to include the victims of this new genocidal disaster. Again, the genocides in Europe and the Middle East receive far more attention than the genocides in Africa.

Because not only is it a matter of conscience for our entire people, but the vital security interests of the United States are at stake as well.

Democracy is not just an American value. We are also deeply interested in its international promotion.Around Sudan, local resistance committee, Its origins lie in the demonstrations against Bashir, and it continues to fly the flag of democracy and civilian rule. They also help organize local relief efforts during the fighting. USAID is supporting them and should increase its support to them. They will similarly need our diplomatic support in future negotiations regarding their country’s future.

The RSF leader is closely related Together with Russia. what he talked about was provide a naval base to Russia At Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Russian forces are already gaining ground at various points along this vital waterway. And Russia’s interests in Sudan are Russia’s growing influence All over Africa.

The South African Air Force has had Islamists in its ranks since the days of Bashir, including: Keep pace with Iran and its regional ambitions. And, like the RSF, the SAF’s military tactics are brutal. On the other hand, R.S.F. rape and plunder On the ground, the SAF relies primarily on bombing RSF targets. Even in civilian areas. Reportedly, arrested and even tortured Member of the Resistance Committee.

Beyond the huge number of internally displaced Sudanese, the United States is even more concerned. refugee flow To neighboring countries that need our help. This influx could increase the number of African migrants at Europe’s borders. This, in turn, could lead to the election of leaders that are contrary to US interests, such as victory in Ukraine.

But surely the American government could find the will, and yes, the heart, to make this issue a higher priority. A new special envoy to Sudan will need strong support to deal with the parties to the conflict and those who provide them with arms and money. (SAF is supported) Mainly by Egypt and Iran. UAE and Russia reportedly supplies both money and weapons. Submit to RSF. )

No matter how skilled a negotiator is, he or she must work with all parties to the conflict. Rhetoric alone is not enough. Our new special envoy must be mindful of the threat and, if necessary, severe sanctions against those inside and outside Sudan who are complicit in this little-known but tragic disaster. This includes the threat of serious action against the web of corrupt private business from which leaders on both sides profit.

Let’s hope that in a few months, when famine arrives and new images of African children being wasted are shown on our television screens, we and others will be able to say: Then, heal with it. ”

I don’t do that now. But there’s still time to do so, albeit just barely.

Anthony Lake is a former National Security Advisor and John Prendergast is a co-founder. sentry.