Trump Administration Shifts Peace Efforts to Sudan Amid Ongoing Civil War

As diplomatic efforts in Ukraine and Gaza reach an impasse, the Trump administration is redirecting its peacekeeping initiatives toward Sudan, where a brutal civil war has led to a humanitarian catastrophe.

On July 29, 2025, the Financial Times reported that the U.S. is convening a summit in Washington, D.C., with Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to formulate a unified strategy for Sudan. This shift underscores the administration's intent to address the escalating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 13 million people since April 2023.

The Sudanese civil war erupted in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The conflict has devastated the nation, leading to mass displacement and severe humanitarian crises.

In July 2025, the RSF declared itself a parallel government, effectively partitioning the country and complicating peace efforts. This move has been condemned by Sudan's internationally recognized government in Khartoum, which referred to the RSF's actions as a "fake government" and warned of increased division akin to Libya's rival administrations.

The war has led to severe humanitarian issues, including widespread malnutrition and disease outbreaks. In July 2025, the Sudan Doctors Network reported that 13 children died from malnutrition-related causes in the Lagawa camp in East Darfur. UNICEF has documented a significant rise in severe acute malnutrition cases across Darfur, with over 40,000 children treated in North Darfur alone—double the number from the previous year.

The Trump administration's pivot to Sudan comes amid stalled peace efforts in Ukraine and Gaza. Critics express concern over the U.S. administration's lack of experienced Sudan analysts and the potential marginalization of civilian voices in the mediation process.

The involvement of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in the upcoming summit highlights the regional stakes in Sudan's stability. These nations have vested interests in preventing the conflict from spilling over into neighboring countries and disrupting regional security.

The U.S. faces significant challenges in mediating the Sudanese conflict, including a lack of experienced analysts and the risk of sidelining civilian voices crucial for a sustainable peace process.

The Trump administration's decision to focus on Sudan reflects a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy amid stalled negotiations elsewhere. The success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration with regional partners and a nuanced understanding of Sudan's complex political landscape.