Archive · 25 Aug 2026
US Urges UN Sanctions to Push Sudan Rivals Toward Talks
Sudan has been fighting a long war between government forces and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces.
The United States wants the United Nations to impose stronger rules against weapons and other support going to either side.
It says help from outside countries is making the war last longer.
The proposed rules would apply across all of Sudan, not only the Darfur region.
They would also cover drones and similar technology.
The war has killed at least 59,000 people and forced about 13 million people from their homes.
Many parts of Sudan are facing famine.
Sudan’s army leader says sanctions will not stop his troops from fighting.
UN officials say the rivals need more international pressure to begin negotiations.
The United States is proposing expanded UN sanctions and a nationwide arms embargo for Sudan.
The proposal would target all parties and reaffirm that drones and related technologies fall under the embargo.
US officials say external financial, military and political support is prolonging Sudan’s fourth-year conflict.
The war has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced about 13 million and contributed to famine.
Sudan’s military chief Abdel-Fattah Burhan rejected the pressure, saying his forces would continue fighting until RSF-held areas are captured.
- Who
- The United States, Sudan’s military, the Rapid Support Forces and the United Nations are central to the dispute.
- What
- The United States is urging the UN Security Council to expand sanctions and an arms embargo across Sudan to pressure the warring parties into negotiations.
- When
- The proposal was presented to the Security Council on Monday during the conflict’s fourth year.
- Where
- The conflict is taking place across Sudan, including Khartoum and the Darfur region.
- Why
- US officials say external military, financial and political support is prolonging the war and undermining mediation efforts.
Supporters of Expanded Sanctions
Sudanese Military Position
Whether sanctions can help end the war
Supporters of Expanded Sanctions
The United States and UN officials say stronger international action could pressure the warring parties to abandon military logic and negotiate.
Sudanese Military Position
Sudan’s military chief Abdel-Fattah Burhan says sanctions will not subjugate the Sudanese people or stop his forces from defeating the Rapid Support Forces.
External support to the combatants
Supporters of Expanded Sanctions
The US says military, financial and political support from external actors is prolonging the conflict and undermining mediation efforts.
Sudanese Military Position
The article does not identify countries named by the United States as providing that support; Egypt supports Sudan’s military, while the United Arab Emirates denies accusations of arming the Rapid Support Forces.
- Conflict duration
- The war is in its fourth year.
- Deaths
- At least 59,000 people have been killed.
- Displacement
- About 13 million people have been displaced.
- Proposed measure
- The United States wants the arms embargo expanded from Darfur to all of Sudan.
- Covered support
- The draft calls for countries to end direct or indirect logistical, financial and military support to the warring parties.
- Technology
- The proposal would reaffirm that drones and related unmanned systems are covered by the arms embargo.
- Sudan’s response
- Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan said sanctions would not deter his troops from continuing the war.