In 2004, I traveled to Darfur, the western region of Sudan, with then-Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and my chief of staff, Dan Scandling. We came back to the U.S. and shared what we had seen. Later that year, the secretary of State, Colin Powell, rightly identified the crimes occurring in Darfur as genocide.
What we witnessed was terrible, but what is happening now in most of Sudan is much worse.
In 2021, the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces staged a coup and overthrew a civilian-led transitional government achieved through peaceful protests by millions of Sudanese. In 2023, the two militaries turned on each other and the people of Sudan for control of the country and its resources. Tens of thousands have died from violent conflict. Rape and starvation are used as weapons of war. Millions have been displaced from their homes, and basic services no longer exist in most of the country.
The State Department has declared that crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing are occurring and has now determined that the Rapid Support Forces has committed genocide. The IPC Global Famine Review Committee identifies famine in five areas of Sudan, and it projects famine in five additional areas by May of this year. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over half of Sudan’s population, including 16 million children, need protection and humanitarian assistance.
The Sudanese are determined to govern and grow a country founded on freedom, peace and justice. The alternatives — the conflict continuing and largely being ignored, or Sudan returning to an oppressive Islamic regime underpinned by violence and corruption — are dangerous for U.S. and international security. Both scenarios further destabilize an important region with significant natural resources and a vital trade route along the Red Sea. The Islamists, under the Bashir regime, hosted terrorists Osama bin Laden, Joseph Kony, Hezbollah and Hamas. Sudan serves as a hub for arms trafficking and gold smuggling. Sudan’s conflicts exacerbate the global migration crisis. Ignoring Sudan is dangerous.
Based on my experience as a member of Congress for 34 years and a member of the Sudan Caucus, several key elements are required for more effective U.S. engagement in Sudan.
First and foremost, the president and secretary of State must be personally and publicly involved. The president should appoint an experienced special envoy who reports directly to the secretary of State. The special envoy should be given all the support he or she needs. Given the nature of the conflict, the White House should also appoint a high-level military official to advise the special envoy, because both sides of the conflict are controlled by military generals.
In 2001, when President Bush appointed former Sen. John Danforth (R-Mo.) to be special envoy for Sudan, the appointment was made in the White House Rose Garden; standing with Danforth was Secretary Colin Powell on one side and President Bush on the other. This sent a message to the world and to every government official, that President Bush was committed to addressing the crisis in Sudan.
Congress also needs to be involved. The bipartisan Sudan Caucus should be reactivated. The Senate and House must hold immediate hearings on Sudan. The bipartisan Sudan Caucus used to meet almost monthly, and many of the caucus members visited Sudan.
Many members of Congress care about what is happening in Sudan. It is worth noting, retired U.S. military officials are working for some of the governments aiding both sides of the conflict. These include the UAE, which has hundreds of retired U.S. military working for them. This should not be allowed. Addressing this and other serious concerns can be done effectively by members of a bipartisan Sudan Caucus working together to help end the horrific violence and build a new Sudan.
Sen. Brownback and I were together again last April, speaking at the United for Sudan rally in Washington. It has been more than 20 years since our trip to Darfur. When I see the rape, famine and killing, I am haunted by the thought that some of the victims are the women and children we met with on that trip. I strongly urge Congress and the incoming Trump administration to act now for Sudan.
Former Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) served as a representative for Virginia’s 10th District from 1981 to 2015. He was a co-founder of the Sudan Caucus.
