BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of the war in Sudan on April 15.
Risch expressed concern over the prolonged conflict, stating, “The war in Sudan has lasted one year too long, devastating the country and its people.” He called for immediate action, saying, “The United States and the international community should impose immediate sanctions on General Hemeti and the Rapid Support Forces for the mass atrocities committed, including ethnic cleansing and genocide in Darfur and other regions.” Risch also emphasized the need for accountability, adding, “General Burhan and the Sudanese Armed Forces should also face sanctions for blocking humanitarian aid, undermining democracy, and continuing the war.”
The senator highlighted the appointment of Tom Perriello as the special envoy for Sudan but raised concerns about the lack of resources and staff to effectively manage the situation. Risch urged the State Department to step in and provide the necessary support, stating, “The State Department must urgently provide the special envoy with the required resources and staffing to realign U.S. policy, build a supportive international coalition, and address the immense humanitarian needs.” He warned that failing to do so could jeopardize the envoy’s efforts in shaping a civilian-led future for Sudan, saying, “Failing to support this role adequately jeopardizes the envoy’s potential success in shaping a civilian-led future for Sudan.”
