Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a strong rebuttal on Wednesday to comments from the U.S. State Department that questioned the legitimacy of the country’s governing authorities. In a statement, the ministry emphasized Sudan’s sovereignty and called on Washington to engage positively with the Sudanese government.
U.S. remarks and visa denial
The U.S. State Department, through spokesman Tommy Pigott, said that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary, nor their leaders, “represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan.” The statement was accompanied by the denial of a visa for Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, who had been scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Sources told Reuters that his attendance was made contingent on agreeing to a 90‑day cease‑fire.
Sudan’s response
The Sudanese ministry’s statement rejected the U.S. position, asserting that any lasting peace initiative must be grounded in respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and legitimate national institutions. It also called for any diplomatic effort to address the root causes of the conflict, highlighting what it described as “negative foreign interference” that fuels continued violence.
Background of the conflict
The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 after a power struggle between the military and the Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has displaced more than 14 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. A recent United Nations fact‑finding mission reported that foreign weapons, military technology, fighters, and logistical networks are sustaining the conflict and enabling attacks on civilian areas with drones.
U.S. frustration in mediation
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed frustration with attempts to mediate an end to the conflict, noting that agreements have repeatedly failed to be implemented. “We’ve had people agree to things, sign to things, and the commitments are never met,” Rubio told reporters in New York. He added that external actors continue to influence the situation, complicating diplomatic efforts.
International implications
The dispute underscores the challenges of foreign involvement in Sudan’s internal affairs. While the United States seeks to encourage a cease‑fire and a political settlement, Sudan’s government stresses the importance of respecting its sovereignty and avoiding external meddling that could undermine a durable peace.
Both sides appear poised for continued diplomatic engagement, with Sudan urging constructive dialogue and the United States maintaining pressure for a cease‑fire and a political resolution.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
