BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of war in Sudan on April 15:
“The war in Sudan has lasted one year too long, devastating the country and its people. The United States and the international community should impose immediate sanctions on General Hemeti and the Rapid Support Forces for the mass atrocities committed, including ethnic cleansing and genocide in Darfur and other regions. General Burhan and the Sudanese Armed Forces should also face sanctions for blocking humanitarian aid, undermining democracy, and continuing the war.
“While the administration has finally appointed Tom Perriello as the special envoy for Sudan, 10 months into the conflict and after significant congressional pressure, he lacks sufficient resources and staff to effectively manage this issue and conduct necessary diplomacy. The State Department must urgently provide the special envoy with the required resources and staffing to realign U.S. policy, build a supportive international coalition, and address the immense humanitarian needs. Failing to support this role adequately jeopardizes the envoy's potential success in shaping a civilian-led future for Sudan.”
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