Senator Shaheen Highlights Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis and Calls for Accountability

Sudan's Descent into War and Humanitarian Crisis

• 🇸🇩 Once on a path to recovery after decades of violence, Sudan was plunged into war two years ago by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
• 💔 Over 150,000 people have died, and 12 million more have been displaced, with famine levels at historic highs, leaving 30 million people in desperate need of humanitarian aid.

Devastating Impact on Women and Girls

• 🚺 The conflict has disproportionately affected women and girls, with widespread abduction and forced into sexual and domestic slavery.
• 📈 Gender-based violence has reportedly skyrocketed by 288%, and horrific cases of child rape, including involving infants, have been reported.

Accountability and International Involvement

• ⚖️ The US government has determined that both warring factions have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the RSF leading ethnic cleansing in Darfur.
• 🌍 Sanctions have been imposed on the leaders of both forces, but more action is needed as ceasefires fail and peace negotiations stall.
• 💰 External countries like the UAE, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and China continue to supply weapons, driven by economic interests such as port access, investments, and the gold trade.

Call for US Action and Policy

• 🇺🇸 Senator Shaheen urges the US to declare "enough is enough" and implement a clear policy to address the conflict.
• 🆘 This includes resuming foreign assistance to alleviate suffering, ending the violence, and recommitting to Sudan's path toward a civilian-led democracy.
• ⚠️ The senator emphasizes that what happens in Sudan does not stay in Sudan, citing potential risks of terrorism and disease spreading globally.