Sudan welcomes new US special envoy

A new U.S. Special Envoy has been appointed for Sudan. He is Tom Perriello.

United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, named Perriello as the special envoy on Sudan on Monday, in a new push to persuade parties in conflict to lay down their weapons after 10 months of bloodshed.

In his capacity, Tom Perriello, a former congressman who has previously served as special envoy for Africa’s Great Lakes region and the DRC, will coordinate U.S. policy on Sudan to address the ongoing crisis, including ending hostilities, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and supporting the Sudanese people’s aspirations for freedom, peace, and justice.

Blinken, in a statement, emphasized Perriello’s extensive experience in peacebuilding, security, and transitional justice, particularly in Africa, making him well-suited for this critical role.

Perriello’s appointment will also serve to fill a vacuum in the U.S. ambassadorship in Khartoum, as the first ambassador, John Godfrey, concludes his tenure.

The U.S. Embassy in Sudan officially announced on February 23 that Ambassador John Godfrey had completed his term as the first American Ambassador to Sudan.

Blinken expressed gratitude to the outgoing U.S. Ambassador for his dedicated service, particularly during the current conflict.

Godfrey had been the first U.S. ambassador in Khartoum in a quarter century.