Why President Trump Might Be Africa’s Best Shot at Ending Sudan’s Deadly War
Fresh off the buzz of brokering peace between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda — ending a conflict that dragged on for 30 years — President Donald Trump and his team are being called on to tackle Sudan’s brutal, ongoing war. According to Cameron Hudson, a top expert on African affairs and former senior official in the George W. Bush administration, Trump’s track record and style give him a unique edge to help bring peace to the continent’s most overlooked conflict.
The Forgotten War That Shouldn’t Be Forgotten
Sudan has been locked in chaos since April 2023, with the government forces clashing violently against the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The human toll is staggering: estimates put the death count at around 150,000, with 14.2 million people displaced and over 30 million needing urgent humanitarian aid. Just to put that in perspective — more than 630,000 Sudanese are facing catastrophic food insecurity. It’s a crisis many in the world hardly talk about, which is why some call it the “forgotten war.”
At a recent United Nations Security Council briefing, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea laid it out bluntly: “By many measures, the conflict in Sudan is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today.” She went on to demand that Sudan’s warring factions stop fighting immediately, open up humanitarian access, and protect innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
But the violence goes beyond just the battlefield. Shea highlighted horrific human rights abuses allegedly carried out by the RSF, including genocide, targeted killings of men and boys — even infants — and brutal sexual violence against women and girls from ethnic groups caught in the fighting. Meanwhile, hospitals are being bombed, aid convoys attacked, and basic necessities like food and water deliberately withheld. The city of El Fasher in Darfur is reportedly under siege, with RSF forces encircling the area, trapping thousands inside.
Trump’s Peace Diplomacy: A Breath of Fresh Air?
Cameron Hudson called Trump’s recent diplomatic moves “refreshing.” Unlike previous U.S. administrations that often seemed hesitant or contradictory when it came to Africa, Trump’s approach comes across as straightforward and transactional — and African leaders are noticing.
For starters, the June 27 peace deal signed right at the White House between Congo and Rwanda’s foreign ministers marked a major diplomatic win for Trump. Hudson says this move has set a powerful precedent, showing the world Trump can be a serious peacemaker. His willingness to openly tie U.S. interests, like access to critical minerals, with peace efforts is seen as honest — a contrast to the usual political doublespeak.
Africans, in general, don’t seem to mind that Trump’s agenda includes America’s economic and strategic interests. To them, it feels authentic that what he pursues as U.S. interests aligns with what he values. That kind of clarity is rare and apparently very welcome.
Why Sudan Matters to the U.S. — Beyond Humanitarian Concerns
It’s not just about goodwill. The U.S. has deep strategic reasons to care about Sudan’s fate. Imagine a failed state of 50 million people right on the shores of the Red Sea — a critical commercial navigation route. Chaos there wouldn’t just destabilize the region; it could ripple through the Gulf, disrupt allies, and trigger waves of migrants flooding Europe and Africa.
Hudson warns that this scenario would be a nightmare for Washington’s long-term security. The window to act is narrow, and he argues this might be the last real chance to pull Sudan back from the brink of collapse.
The Diplomatic Chessboard: Trump’s Edge in Sudan
One key advantage for Trump is his relationships with major U.S. allies who are backing different sides of Sudan’s conflict: Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. These countries all have stakes in the region, and they are countries Trump has cultivated connections with.
Hudson points out that this puts Trump in a powerful position to broker a consensus — encouraging these allies to stop fueling the fighting and instead push for peace. He emphasizes that it won’t be easy and will take some serious diplomacy, but Trump is clearly signaling that he wants to be seen as a peacemaker on the global stage.
What the Current U.S. Government Says
The State Department, speaking to Fox News Digital, reaffirmed America’s focus on Sudan’s crisis. They are pushing for a peaceful restoration of civilian governance, urging all parties to stop fighting, protect civilians, and allow humanitarian aid to reach everyone in need.
The department also called on Sudan’s military factions to start inclusive dialogue aimed at negotiating a durable peace. The message is clear: the U.S. wants a stable Sudan, not a prolonged war.
Why Time Is Running Out
If you rewind to recent years, the previous administration drew a lot of criticism for a flood of rhetoric but little concrete action on Sudan. Hudson says the facts on the ground now make U.S. intervention more urgent than ever.
With millions displaced and entire cities under siege, the consequences of letting the conflict drag on are dire — not only for Sudan but for global stability. And the longer the fighting continues, the harder it will be to bring lasting peace.
What’s Next?
The big question now is whether Trump will seize this moment to push for peace in Sudan as boldly as he did with Congo and Rwanda. Hudson and others suggest that this is an opportunity for Trump to further cement his legacy as a global peacemaker, especially in Africa.
If successful, it could reshape U.S.-Africa relations for years to come and save countless lives.
Key Takeaways:
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Trump’s success with Congo-Rwanda peace talks shows his potential as a powerful diplomatic force in Africa.
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Sudan’s war is a massive humanitarian crisis — arguably the worst in the world right now.
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Millions are displaced; atrocities and brutal violence are widespread.
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Trump’s transactional style and alliances with key regional powers position him well to broker peace.
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U.S. strategic interests are deeply tied to stability in Sudan and the surrounding region.
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Time is running out to prevent Sudan from collapsing into a failed state with far-reaching consequences.
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The current U.S. administration continues to call for peace but action is urgently needed.
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