The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee has advanced a new bipartisan bill, the “PEACE in Sudan Act of 2026,” aimed at reducing external support fuelling the ongoing conflict.
The legislation proposes a broad set of diplomatic and economic measures, including the suspension of non-humanitarian aid and efforts to block Sudan’s access to future debt relief through international financial institutions.
It also grants the president expanded authority to impose sanctions, including asset freezes and visa bans, on individuals accused of arming, training or supporting militias and other armed groups.
The bill targets illicit economic activity linked to the conflict, including the smuggling of key natural resources such as gold and gum arabic, which lawmakers say help sustain warring factions.
Human rights concerns are also central to the framework, with provisions addressing alleged abuses such as the recruitment of child soldiers and other violations in conflict zones.
U.S. policy under the proposal would focus on disrupting criminal and proxy networks, countering foreign military involvement, and assessing armed actors for possible terrorist designation.
Diplomatic efforts would continue through multilateral initiatives, including groupings such as the Quartet and Quintet, aimed at supporting a negotiated political transition.
The legislation also calls for detailed intelligence reporting on weapons flows, drone transfers and the operations of foreign-backed proxy networks.
Overall, the bill outlines a coordinated strategy combining pressure and diplomacy, with the stated goal of achieving a ceasefire, protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian access for aid workers and journalists.
