Biden urges Sudanese belligerents to end deadly conflict ‘now’

UNITED NATIONS – U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday called on Sudan’s warring generals to bring an immediate halt to the conflict that has plunged the country into a humanitarian disaster.

He also appealed to nations supplying arms to the rival factions to stop fueling the conflict.

“The world needs to stop arming the generals. Speak with one voice and tell them: ‘Stop tearing your country apart. Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people. End this war now,’” Biden told the United Nations General Assembly.

Biden’s remarks followed a meeting in Washington with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, amid accusations that the UAE has been supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been accused by the U.S. of committing atrocities, including war crimes, against ethnic African communities in Darfur.

Speaking prior to Biden, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep frustration over foreign involvement in the ongoing conflict. He condemned what he described as a “brutal power struggle” in Sudan, which has triggered widespread violence and suffering.

“A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads. Yet outside powers continue to interfere, with no unified approach to finding peace,” Guterres said.

Biden also underscored the role of the U.S. in efforts to mediate the crisis, pointing to recent diplomatic moves aimed at facilitating aid deliveries. A conference led by the U.S. in Switzerland last month secured limited commitments from both sides on allowing humanitarian access.

“The United States has led the world to provide humanitarian aid to Sudan, and with our partners, have led diplomatic talks to try to silence the guns and… avert a wider famine,” Biden stated.

According to diplomats, the U.S. has been quietly pressing the UAE to curtail its support for the RSF. In a joint statement issued on Monday, Biden and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed concerns over “the risk of imminent atrocities” in Darfur and urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.

Reports also suggest that Sudan’s army has received foreign support in its fight against the RSF, including alleged backing from Iran.

The World Health Organization reported this month that at least 20,000 people have been killed since the conflict erupted. However, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello indicated that some estimates suggest the death toll could be as high as 150,000.

The war has displaced over 10 million people, a fifth of Sudan’s population, both internally and across borders. A UN-backed assessment has warned of a looming famine that could reach unprecedented levels not seen globally in decades.