The U.S. envoy to Sudan meets with the army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as the general bolsters his lobbying team in Washington in anticipation of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency.
On November 20, 2024, Tom Perriello, the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, made his first visit to Port Sudan—a significant trip given the complex situation gripping the country since the outbreak of war in April 2023. Amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, the visit aimed to secure commitments for increased humanitarian aid to millions in need and to advocate for an end to the devastating conflict tearing the country apart.
The visit takes place in a tense diplomatic atmosphere as General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s army, intensifies efforts to build his support network in Washington, with Donald Trump set to assume the U.S. presidency in just two months. Sudan remains engulfed in a catastrophic civil war, a power struggle between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This war has destabilized the region and caused a massive humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, over 25 million people—almost half the Sudanese population—now rely on international aid, with over 11 million displaced. Famine has taken hold in many areas, exacerbated by infrastructure destruction and the collapse of social cohesion.
During his visit, Perriello met with Burhan and humanitarian, government, and tribal leaders to discuss ways to facilitate aid delivery and explore political solutions to the conflict. The Sudanese Sovereign Council described the meeting as “long, comprehensive, and candid.” Perriello outlined several proposals, which Burhan accepted, though significant disagreements remain over the political resolution of the conflict. This war is not merely a military issue but also a contest over Sudan’s transition to civilian rule—a goal that has eluded all parties.
Despite mediation attempts earlier this year in Geneva, negotiations failed to secure a ceasefire. The army, led by Burhan, declined to participate in the talks, and the discussions yielded no meaningful progress toward peace. Both sides, however, agreed to improve humanitarian access—a tentative success amid the fragile context. The key challenge now is achieving a sustainable ceasefire, a prerequisite for any political and social reconstruction.
Perriello emphasized the importance of halting the violence and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access, advocating for localized pauses in fighting to facilitate emergency relief. He stressed that while the U.S. remains committed to pursuing a comprehensive ceasefire, expanding humanitarian aid is an immediate priority. This pragmatic approach includes calls for humanitarian corridors in the hardest-hit areas, such as al-Fashir, Sennar, and parts of Khartoum.
Last week, the Sudanese Sovereign Council announced a temporary extension of the Adre border crossing with Chad—a strategic lifeline for humanitarian aid. This opening allows international agencies to deliver food and essential supplies to Darfur and Kordofan, where populations face starvation. While humanitarian organizations welcomed the move, the situation remains dire, with many areas still cut off by ongoing violence.
Preparing for Trump’s Arrival
Aware of the need to maintain international support, particularly from Washington, Burhan is ramping up efforts to strengthen his lobbying network ahead of Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House. Despite the unpredictable trajectory of Sudan’s war, the general seeks to shape U.S. policy to his advantage. Trump’s administration, with its potential for a more pragmatic and direct foreign policy, could present Burhan with new opportunities to secure U.S. backing amid mounting international pressure to end the conflict.
Burhan’s Washington team now includes several influential lobbyists working to advocate for his positions among U.S. lawmakers and influence Trump’s foreign policy agenda. Meanwhile, Sudan continues to seek allies within the international community while grappling with the urgent need to end a war that threatens regional stability.
For its part, the United States remains vigilant, pressing the warring factions toward a peaceful resolution while acknowledging that the geopolitical stakes extend far beyond Sudan’s borders.
The situation in Sudan—marked by unprecedented political and humanitarian upheaval—continues to draw intense international concern. The country’s future hinges on diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, as well as the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Sudan relations under the incoming Trump administration.
