US President Joe Biden has temporarily halted operations at the American embassy in Sudan while reaffirming Washington’s unwavering support for the Sudanese people in response to the escalating crisis in Sudan.
The brief truce between the clashing factions led by Army Chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces Chief Mohamed Hamdan Daglo was shattered soon after it was announced on the first day of Eid. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in 413 fatalities, thousands of injuries, and a thousand people trapped in their homes without access to essential resources.
President Biden condemned the violence as “unconscionable” and insisted that “it must stop.” He temporarily suspended the US Embassy’s operations in Sudan via Twitter while reiterating America’s commitment to the Sudanese people.
Following his directive, US government staff have been evacuated from Khartoum, the heart of the Sudanese conflict. Biden mentioned that he closely monitors ongoing efforts to assist Americans in the war-stricken nation, with support from US allies and partners.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the safe evacuation of “all US personnel and their dependents” and pledged continued assistance to Americans in Sudan in planning their safety.
The UN and foreign nations have called for military leaders to uphold declared ceasefires, ensure safe civilian passage, and deliver desperately needed aid. However, Sudan’s rapid descent into conflict has dashed hopes of restoring civilian rule, pushed an already impoverished nation to the brink of disaster, and risked sparking a wider conflict that could involve external forces.