from RAJI BASHIR in Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan Bureau
KHARTOUM, (CAJ News) – A BIPARTISAN group of senior United States senators has introduced legislation aimed at increasing pressure on the warring parties in Sudan and their foreign backers, as the conflict continues to fuel what is widely regarded as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Jim Risch, Chris Coons and John Cornyn have introduced the Preventing External Aggression and Conflict Escalation (PEACE) in Sudan Act of 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen Washington’s response to the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), while targeting individuals, organisations and foreign actors accused of fuelling the violence.
According to the senators, the measure would expand sanctions authorities, require assessments of whether armed actors in Sudan qualify for designation as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, and impose tighter restrictions on certain forms of non-lifesaving foreign assistance.
The legislation would also require the US State Department to provide regular reports to Congress detailing atrocities committed during the conflict, foreign governments and non-state actors supporting the rival factions, and countries holding assets linked to the warring parties.
Senator Shaheen described the conflict as a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and urged swift approval of the bill.
She argued that additional tools were needed to hold perpetrators and their supporters accountable while supporting diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Risch said the conflict posed a threat to regional stability and US national security, warning that continued instability could worsen human suffering, increase migration pressures and create opportunities for extremist groups.
Coons emphasised that a lasting settlement could only be achieved through negotiations, while Cornyn said stronger sanctions and diplomatic engagement were necessary to secure a ceasefire and restore stability.
The bill also seeks to extend authorisation for a US special envoy for Sudan, strengthen business advisories for American companies operating in the country and encourage the formation of a broader international coalition focused on ending the conflict.
Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the SAF and RSF in a struggle for power.
The conflict has displaced an estimated 14 million people and left nearly 20 million facing acute food insecurity, including millions living under famine or emergency conditions.
International observers maintain that a negotiated settlement remains the only viable path towards lasting peace and recovery in Sudan.
– CAJ News