US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday called for a humanitarian truce in Sudan, saying the new year presents an opportunity for progress.
Rubio urged international actors to leverage their influence to push both sides toward an immediate halt to hostilities and unfettered aid access.
“Ninety-nine percent of our focus is this humanitarian truce and achieving that as soon as possible,” he said at a news conference.
Sudan has been devastated since April 2023, when General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army clashed with Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leaving tens of thousands dead.
Millions have been displaced, while widespread abuses, hunger, and attacks on aid convoys have drawn global concern.
Describing the situation as “horrifying” and “atrocious,” Rubio warned that history will judge all involved harshly.
He noted both sides have broken commitments, with humanitarian convoys still under attack amid ongoing violence.
Rubio also highlighted the role of foreign weapons, urging responsible international engagement to curb supplies.
“We’re hopeful we can make some progress, but it will require outside actors to use their leverage,” Rubio said, calling for sustained diplomatic pressure.
