US Envoy Says Islamists Are ‘Problem for Us and Sudanese’

US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
20

US Envoy Says Islamists Are ‘Problem for Us and Sudanese’

US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello stressed on Friday that his country will continue to use sanctions to pressure the Sudanese warring parties to stop the fighting and reach a solution in the country.

He added that sanctions will not be limited to institutions, but will target individuals so that their work will be affected in various countries.

Speaking at a meeting with Sudanese people in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, he stressed that Islamists – supporters of the ousted regime – are a “major problem for us and the Sudanese.”

He stated that Washington is aware that some Islamists are members of the army and that others had come from abroad to Sudan to join the war.

Moreover, the envoy revealed that the American administration was in contact with all countries that support the war in Sudan. It is urging them to take a positive position towards the Sudanese people, not interfere their country’s internal affairs that is only prolonging the war.

The United Arab Emirates needs to be part of the ongoing discussions in Jeddah, Perriello went on to say.

The Sudanese army had accused the UAE of supporting its rival, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in the conflict. Abu Dhabi has denied the claim.

Perriello predicted that the next round of talks in Jeddah would be different due to new factors and to the UAE and Egypt joining the discussions.

The goal is for these countries to play a role in stopping the war, he explained.

The US has also made strong warnings to the RSF against military intervention in al-Fasher, he continued, adding that such a move would have dire consequences.

He underlined the importance of the Jeddah platform because it enjoys the agreement of all parties, including the European Union and African Union. Several countries want to see the end of the war.

On the proposed initiatives to end the conflict, Perriello said the outcomes of the Jeddah and Manama meetings will be examined so that a unified vision can be declared.

Furthermore, the envoy ruled out that the US may intervene militarily in Sudan, but he acknowledged that discussions are ongoing at the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for them to play a greater role in protecting civilians in the conflict.

The US and regional countries support these steps, he added, while warning that the spillover of the war into the region will have severe consequences.

The countries are already being affected by the conflict, he noted.



Baghdad Prepares for Key Arab Summit, Eyes Broad Participation and Regional Consensus

Photo of the “Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership” held in 2021 (Reuters)
Photo of the “Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership” held in 2021 (Reuters)
TT
20

Baghdad Prepares for Key Arab Summit, Eyes Broad Participation and Regional Consensus

Photo of the “Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership” held in 2021 (Reuters)
Photo of the “Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership” held in 2021 (Reuters)

Iraq is stepping up preparations to host the Arab League Summit on May 17, expressing strong hopes that the gathering in Baghdad will lead to a unified roadmap for addressing regional and international crises.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the summit’s success, highlighting Iraq’s founding role in the Arab League and the importance of Arab unity in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges.

“This summit comes at a time when the region and the world need a clear Arab stance,” a senior Iraqi official told Asharq Al-Awsat, saying Baghdad seeks that the summit produces “a framework for future cooperation and crisis management.”

While some political factions initially voiced concerns over the invitation extended to Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the powerful Coordination Framework coalition has softened its stance.

Coalition leader Uday Al-Khadran confirmed that all member parties support the summit, describing it as a major political and diplomatic milestone for Iraq.

“Hosting the summit reinforces Iraq’s regional standing and signals a return to its leading role in Arab affairs,” he said. Al-Khadran also emphasized that decisions regarding guest participation - such as that of the Syrian president - are the sole prerogative of the federal government.

Al-Sharaa received an official invitation last week to attend the summit, which will mark the 34th regular session of the Arab League and will be held alongside the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit.

On the security front, Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari announced that a comprehensive plan has been finalized to safeguard the event.

The ministry confirmed on Thursday that Al-Shammari met with a delegation from the office of the Arab League Secretary-General in Baghdad to review ongoing preparations.

The visiting officials praised Iraq’s efforts, reaffirming the Secretary-General’s support for the success of the summit.

On Thursday, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid sent a formal invitation to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman to attend the summit.

The message was delivered by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein during a visit to Muscat. Hussein also held talks with his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, focusing on regional issues and strengthening bilateral ties.