The United States and Saudi Arabia resume peace efforts in Sudan

With the aim of curbing growing instability in Sudan, the United States and Saudi Arabia have officially requested the resumption of peace negotiations between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This was stated in a communiqué from the US State Department following a meeting in Washington between the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. 

The war in Sudan, which has lasted for almost a year and a half, has generated one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region, with clashes intensifying in several areas of the country and no political progress after the failure of previous rounds of negotiations promoted by Saudi Arabia. 

During the meeting, both diplomats emphasised the ‘need to resume peace negotiations between the Sudanese army and the RSF, protect civilians, open humanitarian corridors and return to the path of civilian government,’ according to the official statement. This statement comes amid a deteriorating situation on the ground and the absence of concrete solutions. 

However, the visit of Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Washington did not only focus on the conflict in Sudan. The meeting with Marco Rubio also addressed other critical issues on the international agenda, such as the war in Gaza, the situation in Yemen and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties agreed on the importance of close coordination to preserve regional and international security, reaffirming the strategic nature of the relationship between the two countries. 

Furthermore, this visit is part of the preparations for US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, scheduled for May. According to a source cited by Reuters, Trump is expected to sign a new investment agreement during his trip, which will also include stopovers in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. This will be his first official trip abroad in his second term.

Back in 2017, Trump chose Saudi Arabia and Israel as the first stops on his first international trip, signalling his strategic focus on the region. This time, the trip will take place in a context of growing instability in the Middle East marked by the situation in Gaza, the offensive against the Houthis and increased tensions with Iran. 

In this sense, Trump recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to once again address the controversial US plan for control over Gaza, which has been widely rejected by the international community, including Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, Washington has also increased its military intervention in the region. The Trump administration has intensified air strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen with the aim of stopping attacks on ships in the Red Sea. This operation represents the largest US military mobilisation in the area since Trump took office for a second term last January, consolidating a greater US presence and involvement in the Middle East.

In the midst of this delicate situation, the alliance between Washington and Riyadh once again occupies a central place in regional and international politics, while Sudan, Gaza and Yemen continue to be points of common interest within this strategic partnership.