Why the US must lead and Israel must act on Sudan’s crisis

In Sudan, a silent genocide is unfolding—a tragedy of staggering proportions that demands immediate and decisive global attention. Massacres, ethnic cleansing and a humanitarian disaster of catastrophic magnitude have devastated the country for nearly a year. Yet, despite clear evidence of genocide, the world’s most powerful nations, including the United States and Israel, have remained largely disengaged. Instead, international focus continues to center on conflicts that align with immediate geopolitical priorities, leaving Sudan to suffer in the shadows.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group notorious for its brutality. The conflict has spiraled into one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with entire cities destroyed, communities decimated and ethnic genocide occurring in the Darfur region.

In January 2025, the United States formally declared that the RSF had committed genocide against the non-Arab Masalit community in West Darfur. Reports from humanitarian organizations describe widespread killings, sexual violence and systematic targeting of civilians. RSF forces, aided by allied militias, have engaged in mass executions, rapes and the destruction of entire neighborhoods. Tens of thousands have been slaughtered, and over 10 million Sudanese have been displaced, creating a refugee crisis that neighboring countries are struggling to manage.

Despite these atrocities, the international response has been shockingly muted. The United States, which has historically been a global leader in addressing humanitarian crises, has been largely distracted by other conflicts and geopolitical concerns. Symbolic condemnations have emerged, but little meaningful action has been taken. While it is understandable that the U.S. must prioritize certain national security interests, the inaction on Sudan has serious long-term implications—both for the region and the world at large.

Sudan’s destabilization poses far-reaching consequences that cannot be ignored. The spread of jihadist networks, arms trafficking and unchecked migration from Sudan’s conflict zones will inevitably spill over into regions critical to global security. The United States must recognize that the collapse of Sudan threatens to destabilize the Horn of Africa, increase extremist activities and disrupt critical trade routes in the Red Sea—a vital corridor for global commerce.

The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, were a major diplomatic breakthrough. Sudan’s inclusion in this framework offered a promising opportunity for peace and cooperation in the region, particularly as it aligned with Israel’s interests in countering Iranian influence and other radical actors in the Middle East. Sudan’s strategic location, bordering the Red Sea and neighboring countries like Egypt, makes it a critical partner for Israeli security.

But now, with Sudan descending into chaos, that opportunity is slipping away. The collapse of Sudan means the loss of a potentially crucial ally and the rise of extremist groups in a region already vulnerable to radicalization. The spread of jihadist networks and the influx of arms from Sudan’s conflict zones could further destabilize neighboring Egypt, a key Israeli partner, and heighten the threat to the broader region. Israel must take these risks seriously, as instability in Sudan has far-reaching implications for the security of its own borders and those of its allies.

Sudan’s descent into chaos is not just an internal matter; it has become a geopolitical battleground. The RSF, long suspected of receiving significant support from Gulf nations, particularly the UAE, has exacerbated the conflict. On March 6, 2025, Sudan filed a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of financing and arming the RSF. This external involvement has fueled the violence and prolonged the conflict, allowing the RSF to carry out its genocidal campaign.

The UAE’s role in Sudan highlights the broader regional power struggle. Sudan’s instability has become a point of contention between competing global and regional powers, including Gulf states, the U.S. and European nations. For Israel, the involvement of Gulf states in Sudan is concerning. While Israel maintains its own complicated relations with Gulf countries, the involvement of such actors in Sudan raises serious questions about the future of regional stability and the potential for extremist groups to exploit the situation.

The United States must take a leadership role in addressing Sudan’s crisis. While it cannot solve the issue alone, it can serve as the catalyst for global action. This includes exerting diplomatic pressure on Sudan’s leadership, supporting multilateral peace efforts and holding external actors accountable for their role in fueling the violence. The United States, working in partnership with Israel, the United Nations and regional players, can initiate a broad coalition to address the ongoing genocide and help restore stability to Sudan.

The U.S. must not just condemn the violence but actively support efforts to prevent further escalation. This includes sanctions, international peacekeeping forces and humanitarian aid, as well as diplomatic efforts to foster a political solution. Without a coordinated international response, Sudan’s crisis will continue to spiral, with devastating consequences for its people and the region.