Sudan in Trumps Speech: Sudanese and U.S. Residents Comment
Moatinoon
As always since his emergence on the American political scene and his controversial election, Donald Trumps inaugural address as the new President of the United States once again sparked debate.
Before he and his Yugoslavian-born wife, Melania, entered their oval residence after a four-year hiatus, Trump launched his verbal attacks in all directions to make his country great again. However, his speech focused on ending wars, refraining from using immense power to oppress political opponents, and emphasizing America’s leadership role in halting conflicts.
Before Trump spent his first night in the White House, U.S. ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, announced her countrys commitment to prioritizing Sudan under the Trump administration. She underscored the importance of appointing a special envoy for Sudan and pressuring U.S. allies to end conflicts.
Appointment of a U.S. Envoy
An unnamed military and political affairs expert told "Citizens" that U.S. policies and strategies toward Africa would remain unchanged, continuing efforts to curb Russian and Chinese influence on the continent.
The expert noted that the Russia-Ukraine war would remain a priority for Trump, potentially paving his way to a Nobel Peace Prize. Conflicts like the Houthi war and pressures on Iran would also rank high on the agenda.
Regarding Trump’s Sudan policies, the expert said that his first administration delivered some of the hardest blows to ISIS, a trend likely to continue. This poses risks due to Sudans war and the expansion of ISIS in West Africa, necessitating U.S. intervention.
The expert anticipated appointing a Republican U.S. envoy to Sudan, increasing pressure on both sides of the conflict to enforce a comprehensive ceasefire, ensure aid delivery, and return to negotiations.
A Speech of Power and Irrationality
Dr. Omar Hamida, a professor at the Faculty of Arts, University of Khartoum, described Trump’s speech at his second inauguration as one of power and irrationality. Speaking to "Citizens," he said the address displayed unprecedented hostility toward migration and pardoning those involved in the White House raid. Hamida warned against speculating too much about Trumps handling of Russia, Sudan, or other issues, saying, "His next moves remain unclear."
Hamida agreed with the anonymous expert that if Trump prioritizes Sudan, both warring parties will face significant challenges unless they make substantial concessions. Trump will push for negotiations and impose severe consequences on those resisting.
Commenting on recent military escalations, Hamida said, "Both sides are trying to gain more territory to strengthen their negotiating positions. This is a conflict for leverage, as both know a military victory is unlikely."
Hamida also observed that Trump has little interest in human rights or ethnic cleansing issues, emphasizing that his focus is primarily on American interests, particularly where they intersect with the Sudanese crisis. "His compass is set on Russian and French expansions in Africa, and any overlap with Sudan will see him prioritize U.S. interests."
A Trump-Style Deal
Sadiq Ismail, a Virginia-based Sudanese-American, speculated that Trump’s administration, based on Senate confirmation hearings for Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, would seek a settlement for the Sudanese issue. Speaking to "Citizens," he said, "Trump wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, building on Biden’s Gaza ceasefire agreement that stole this honor from Trump."
Ismail identified Ukraine and Sudan as the top issues for U.S. resolution efforts. Trumps personal ties with UAE leaders may hand them the Sudanese file, alongside Saudi Arabia and Egypt, to impose a U.S.-backed solution. "This reflects Trump’s approach during his first term."
He added that Trump avoids military engagements and prioritizes business opportunities, viewing Sudan and the Red Sea as key zones to prevent Russian or Chinese influence.
American Interests First
Yousef Al-Obeid, another U.S.-based Sudanese resident, explained that Trumps Sudan policies, shaped by his prior administration, regarded the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a militia and the Sudanese army as the legitimate institution for engagement. However, Trump viewed Islamist infiltration within the army as an obstacle needing serious attention.
Al-Obeid said Trumps actions would align with U.S. interests, likely following National Security Council recommendations on Sudan. He predicted the Sudanese militarys use of chemical weapons against the RSF could escalate the issue to the UN Security Council and potentially the International Criminal Court. Russian vetoes may not materialize, given Trumps rapport with Moscow and his efforts to end the Ukraine war. Likewise, positive relations with China could deter a Chinese veto on Sudan-related decisions.
Trumps Track Record
During Trump’s first term in October 2017, he lifted U.S. economic sanctions on Sudan, which had severed the nation from much of the global financial system for nearly two decades. The move followed an initiative begun by former President Barack Obama.
In October 2020, Trump officially removed Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.
