Sudan needs our help – now

In 2004, I traveled to Darfur, the western region of Sudan, with then-Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) and my chief of staff Dan Scandling. We returned to the United States and shared what we saw. Later that year, Secretary of State Colin Powell rightly described the crimes occurring in Darfur as genocide.

What we witnessed was terrible, but what is happening now in most parts of Sudan is much worse.

In 2021, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces staged a coup and ousted a civilian-led transitional government achieved through the peaceful protests of millions of Sudanese. In 2023, the two armies turned against each other and the people of Sudan to control the country and its resources. Tens of thousands have died due to violent conflicts. Rape and starvation are used as weapons of war. Millions have been displaced from their homes, and basic services are no longer available in most parts of the country.

The State Department has declared crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing, and has now determined that the RSF committed genocide. The IPC’s Global Famine Review Committee identifies famine in five regions of Sudan, and expects famine to occur in an additional five regions by May of this year. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than half of Sudan’s population, including 16 million children, are in need of protection and humanitarian assistance.

The Sudanese are determined to govern and develop a country based on freedom, peace and justice. The alternatives – a continuation of the conflict that is largely ignored, or Sudan returning to an oppressive Islamist regime based on violence and corruption – pose a risk to US and international security. Both scenarios further destabilize an important region with significant natural resources and a vital trade route along the Red Sea. Under Bashir’s regime, Islamists hosted terrorists Osama bin Laden, Joseph Kony, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Sudan is a center for arms smuggling and gold smuggling. Conflicts in Sudan exacerbate the global migration crisis. Ignoring Sudan is dangerous.

Based on my experience as a member of Congress for 34 years and a member of the Sudanese Caucus, several key elements are needed for more effective U.S. engagement in Sudan.

First and foremost, the President and Secretary of State must participate personally and publicly. The President should appoint an experienced special envoy who will report directly to the Secretary of State. The Special Envoy should get all the support he needs. Given the nature of the conflict, the White House should also appoint a senior military official to advise the special envoy, because both sides of the conflict are under the control of military generals.

In 2001, when President Bush appointed former Senator John Danforth (R-Mo.) as special envoy to Sudan, the appointment took place in the Rose Garden of the White House; Standing next to Danforth was Secretary Colin Powell on one side and President Bush on the other. This sent a message to the world and to every government official that President Bush is committed to addressing the crisis in Sudan.

Congress also needs to get involved. The two-party Sudanese caucus should be revitalized. The Senate and House of Representatives must hold immediate hearings on Sudan. The bipartisan Sudanese Caucus used to meet almost monthly, and many Caucus members visited Sudan.

Many members of Congress care about what is happening in Sudan. It is worth noting that retired American military officials work for some governments that help both sides of the conflict. These countries include the United Arab Emirates, where hundreds of retired American military personnel work. This should not be allowed. This and other serious concerns can be effectively addressed by members of the bipartisan Sudan Caucus working together to help end the horrific violence and build a new Sudan.

Senator Brownback and I were together again last April, speaking at the United for Sudan rally in Washington. It has been more than 20 years since our trip to Darfur. When I see rape, starvation and murder, I have the idea that some of the victims are the women and children we met on that trip. I strongly urge Congress and the incoming Trump administration to act now on behalf of Sudan.

Former Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) served as Representative for Virginia’s 10th District from 1981 to 2015. He was one of the founders of the Sudan Caucus.