US Envoy Calls Starvation Tactics in Sudan Cowardly

The US special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, has condemned the two warring factions in the country’s civil conflict, labeling their actions as “cowardice” as crucial peace talks are set to begin in Geneva. Perriello criticized the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military for their use of starvation as a weapon, which has contributed to what is now the world’s largest hunger crisis. With over 25 million people facing acute hunger, the situation has escalated to the point where famine has been officially declared in a displacement camp in Darfur. The upcoming US-mediated talks aim to address the ongoing 15-month war, but the Sudanese army has indicated it may not participate, despite the RSF's agreement to attend. Perriello emphasized that both factions are violating international humanitarian law and expressed shock at their willingness to use starvation against civilians, particularly vulnerable women and children. He warned that their actions could undermine any credibility they might have in a postwar Sudan. In El Fasher, the capital of Darfur, up to 800,000 civilians are facing severe shortages of food and water. Perriello urged the SAF and RSF to cease their obstruction of humanitarian aid, as their continued exploitation of hunger poses a significant threat to the region's stability. The RSF's territorial advances further complicate the situation, challenging the Sudanese military's claims of sovereignty. As the Geneva talks approach, concerns are mounting over the international community's perceived inaction in addressing the crisis. Analysts suggest that Sudan has been diplomatically sidelined, raising questions about the effectiveness of global efforts to resolve the conflict.