The White House on Tuesday confirmed that the United States is intensifying coordination with foreign governments and regional blocs in an attempt to halt Sudan’s fast-deteriorating civil conflict, following new reports of mass violence during the fall of Al-Fashir to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last week.
Al-Fashir, the last major city in the Darfur region that had remained under Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) control, was overtaken by the RSF after months of siege. Analysts say the takeover effectively gives the paramilitary force direct control over more than 25% of Sudan’s landmass, and represents one of the most significant territorial shifts since the war erupted in April 2023.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington is working “with partners and allies in Africa, the Middle East and Europe” to pressure warring factions to halt the fighting and engage in meaningful political talks. The US has been part of previous mediation efforts, including initiatives under the African Union, IGAD and Saudi-US sponsored Jeddah talks — though all have so far failed to produce a lasting ceasefire.
New warnings of possible war crimes continue to emerge. On Monday, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court said they are collecting evidence of potential crimes against humanity, including mass killings and widespread sexual violence, during the offensive on Al-Fashir. The United Nations Human Rights Office has estimated that hundreds of people — including civilians and non-combatants — may have been killed. Witnesses told UN investigators that RSF fighters separated men from women and children, before gunshots were heard. The RSF has rejected the accusations.
Humanitarian agencies say millions of Sudanese are now trapped between front lines or are on the move, and famine risks are rising sharply as access routes are cut off. The UN says the country is now experiencing one of the world’s worst displacement crises, with over 10 million people forced to flee their homes.
Despite mounting pressure, there is still no agreed political framework to end the conflict or reunify the fractured state institutions. The US insists diplomacy will continue — but warns there is limited time left to avert a wider regional spillover.
Source:Africa Publicity
