UPDATE: The United States has confirmed that a comprehensive peace plan for Sudan will be unveiled this week, aimed at addressing the nearly three-year-old civil war. Senior advisor to President Biden on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, made the announcement during a fundraiser on Tuesday, emphasizing that the plan has received approval from the “Quad,” which includes the US, UK, Norway, and Egypt.
The urgent need for this peace plan arises from the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where more than 21 million people are facing acute food and water shortages. Since the breakdown of a power-sharing coalition in April 2023, over 150,000 people are believed to have died, and millions have been displaced, with many fleeing to neighboring countries.
Boulos stated, “We’ve been working on this comprehensive peace plan for at least three months now that should be acceptable to both sides.” The plan includes five key pillars: addressing the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians, transitioning to a permanent ceasefire, establishing a political process towards a civilian-led government, and setting up a reconstruction fund.
While Boulos noted that promising remarks have come from Sudan’s military chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, he did not specify the obstacles hindering the plan’s implementation. The peace plan will go to the UN Security Council for an international mandate once agreed upon by the warring parties.
The situation is further complicated by tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. Sudan’s ambassador to the US, Mohamed Abdalla Idris, has made it clear that any peace deal involving the UAE is unacceptable, citing their role in the ongoing conflict. The UAE recently announced a $500 million aid package for Sudan, but Idris criticized their dual role as both a party and a mediator in the conflict.
The US is also set to contribute an additional $200 million in humanitarian assistance, bringing total pledges to approximately $1.5 billion. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs described the situation in Sudan as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” with the UN aiming for “visible progress” in aid by the first day of Ramadan, projected to be around February 18, 2024.
With millions of lives at stake, this peace plan represents a crucial step toward stability in Sudan. Officials urge immediate action as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. As the world watches, the next few days will be critical in determining the future of peace efforts in the region.
