Key facts
- Sudan rejected US remarks questioning the legitimacy of its government and leaders.
- The US State Department stated that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the Rapid Support Forces represent legitimate governance.
- Sudan called on Washington to engage positively with its government and respect its sovereignty.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed frustration with mediation efforts in Sudan.
- A UN mission reported foreign involvement is sustaining Sudan's conflict.
Sudan on Wednesday rejected remarks by the US State Department that questioned the legitimacy of its government and its leaders, asserting its national sovereignty and calling for positive engagement with Washington.
The US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated on Tuesday that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary, nor their respective leaders, "represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan."
In response, Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement on Wednesday strongly rejecting the US position. The ministry emphasized that any successful peace initiative must respect Sudan's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and legitimate national institutions. It also highlighted the need to address the root causes of the ongoing war, including "negative foreign interference."
Earlier, the US had withheld a visa for Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, making his attendance at the UN General Assembly contingent on agreeing to a 90-day ceasefire, according to sources. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the military and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced over 14 million people and created a severe humanitarian crisis.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed frustration with mediation efforts in Sudan, noting that commitments made by parties are often not met. He cited external actors and the warring sides' belief in their potential to win as hindrances to progress.
A UN fact-finding mission this month reported that foreign weapons, military technology, fighters, and logistical networks are contributing to the sustained conflict in Sudan and enabling the warring parties to use drones to strike distant civilian areas.