Saudi Arabia calls for peace talks in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict

Saudi Arabia, a key player in Middle Eastern politics, has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. On April 10, 2025, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Washington, D.C., to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This meeting aimed to set the stage for an upcoming visit by US President Donald Trump, marking the latter's first foreign trip of his second term. One of the significant topics of discussion was the ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict had escalated significantly since April 2023, leading to severe humanitarian crises within the country. The United Nations has described the situation in Sudan as the worst hunger and displacement crisis in the world, with over 12 million people displaced and a famine declared in some regions. Both diplomats stressed the urgent need for the Sudanese military and paramilitary forces to resume peace talks, protect civilians, and establish humanitarian corridors for aid delivery. The meeting also included discussions on regional issues, including the conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, and Syria. President Trump's anticipated visit to Saudi Arabia, originally scheduled for April, intends to reinforce ties between Washington and Riyadh and focus on regional stability and economic cooperation. Trump has previously indicated that he may push for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel during his term. Recently, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced significant investments in US trade and projects, reflecting a mutual effort to bolster economic relations. However, the diplomatic strategies adopted by both the US and Saudi Arabia have seen limited success in fostering a lasting resolution to conflicts such as the one in Sudan. The involvement of international powers and their diplomatic initiatives will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Sudan and efforts to restore peace within the country.