A bill aimed at increasing US pressure over the conflict in Sudan gains momentum after the “Sudan Peace Act” is added to the Senate’s annual defense policy legislation.
The amendment seeks to impose tougher sanctions on foreign entities accused of supporting Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Republican Senator Jim Risch sponsors the measure, calling for stronger US action and greater accountability for the humanitarian crisis.
The legislation requires the appointment of a permanent US special envoy and directs the State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to help end the conflict.
It also requires an assessment of whether certain armed groups involved in the war should be designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
Lawmakers from both parties express growing concern as diplomatic efforts stall and the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.
The House of Representatives passes its own version of the defense bill without including the Sudan-related provisions.
The House and Senate must now reconcile their versions before the final legislation can be sent to the president for approval.
Some analysts caution that sanctions alone may have limited impact and could push financial networks supporting the conflict further underground.
