U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace

Summary#

This bill, the U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act, would require the U.S. government to take several actions to address the conflict in Sudan. It directs the President to identify and report on foreign people who have committed or enabled serious international crimes since April 2023 and those who block humanitarian aid. The bill requires sanctions on identified persons, including blocking property, visa bans, limits on loans and U.S. procurement, and restrictions on U.S. export-credit and development-finance support. It also requires a report on foreign entities violating the U.N. arms embargo on Darfur and sanctions on those entities.

The bill directs the Administration to produce a multi-part strategy and regular updates to support civilian protection, humanitarian access, and a negotiated peace. It expands U.S. diplomatic efforts at the United Nations, authorizes assistance to deploy or sustain a U.N., African Union, or multinational force to protect civilians and support humanitarian operations, and calls for technical assistance to the African Union. The bill requires reports on whether U.S.-origin weapons are being used in Sudan, and a certification on whether other countries restrict U.S. humanitarian assistance. It also calls for steps to empower Sudanese women and youth in peace and relief efforts, and would block major defense equipment sales to countries identified as supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) or the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), with a presidential waiver option. The bill extends a Special Envoy for Sudan position and authorizes funding for that role.

What it means for you#

  • The United States would step up diplomatic and multilateral work on Sudan, including pushing for humanitarian access and protection of civilians.
  • The President must identify and report on people and entities linked to atrocities or blocking aid, and impose specified sanctions on them.
  • Identified individuals could face U.S. asset blocks and visa denial or revocation.
  • U.S. financial and export tools could be used to limit loans, export-credit, development finance, and government procurement involving sanctioned foreign persons.
  • The U.S. could provide assistance to a U.N., African Union, or multinational force in Sudan, and give technical support to regional partners.
  • The bill calls for support for Sudanese women and youth to take part in peace and humanitarian efforts.
  • Major defense equipment sales to countries supporting RSF or SAF would be barred unless the President issues a national interest waiver.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes $4,000,000 for each fiscal year 2025 through 2029 to carry out amendments related to the Special Envoy for Sudan.
  • The bill authorizes providing various forms of assistance and requires multiple reports and strategies, but it does not provide comprehensive cost estimates for those activities in the text. No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

  • The bill frames U.S. action as supporting an inclusive peace process, protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, and pursuing justice and accountability for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
  • Supporters would say the bill uses targeted sanctions and diplomatic tools to deter abuses, expand efforts at the U.N., support local humanitarian responders, and strengthen civilian protection measures.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.