Khalid Omer Youssef, a senior figure in Sudan’s anti-war Sumoud coalition, has backed a US proposal aimed at restricting drones operated by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), while also supporting efforts to expand the existing arms embargo across the country.
Omer, widely known as Khalid Silik, said the measures raised by US presidential adviser Massad Boulos echoed proposals previously advanced by Sudanese civilian forces.
According to Omer, the former Taqaddum coalition submitted proposals to the United Nations Security Council on November 10, 2024 calling for the arms embargo established under Resolution 1591 to be expanded beyond Darfur to cover all of Sudan.
The objective, he said, was to curb the flow of weapons fuelling the conflict.
Omer said Washington has now put forward proposals at the Security Council involving a broader arms embargo as well as restrictions on SAF military drones. He said the initiative had received backing from Britain, France and European partners, with limited opposition.
His endorsement drew criticism from opponents who accused him of siding with international pressure directed against the Sudanese army.
Supporters, however, said the position was consistent with Sumoud’s opposition to the war and its calls for international measures capable of reducing the flow and use of weapons.
Omer argued that the latest international moves, together with growing coordination among Sudanese civilian forces following meetings in Addis Ababa, point to increasing political pressure on those seeking to continue the conflict.
He said the developments reflected the growing isolation of what he described as the pro-war camp and mounting efforts to end a conflict that has devastated Sudan and displaced millions of people.
