HR 1939119th CongressIn Committee

U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act

Introduced: Mar 6, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act is a comprehensive sanctions and diplomacy bill that would, on passage, require the President to impose a broad set of sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the Sudan conflict, particularly those responsible for atrocities and for blocking humanitarian aid. It also lays out a multi-faceted U.S. strategy to promote civilian protection, humanitarian access, accountability for crimes, and a civilian-led transition to democracy. The bill would expand multinational and regional coordination (including a stronger UN/AR U.N. arms embargo and potential deployment of a UN/AU/multinational force), create a dedicated Special Envoy for Sudan with an extended tenure, and emphasize the role of Sudanese women and youth in peace processes. It imposes strict controls on defense equipment sales to Sudanese parties, requires ongoing reporting on humanitarian access and weapon usage, and provides mechanisms for waivers, as well as termination conditions tied to progress toward peace. If enacted, the act would sharply constrain financial and commercial interactions with sanctioned Sudanese actors, while also directing additional U.S. diplomatic and development resources to humanitarian access, civilian protection, and locally-led relief and accountability efforts. It aims to push for an inclusive peace process, expand humanitarian corridors, and support efforts to document and stop abuses, with the potential to influence regional dynamics, international partners, and Sudanese civil society.

Key Points

1Sanctions framework (Title I): The President must impose multiple sanctions on each foreign person identified in mandated reports (Sec. 101-103). Sanctions include blocking property, export/import bank restrictions, prohibitions on loans from U.S. and international financial institutions, procurement bans, visa bans and entry denials, and related measures. The number of sanctions to apply increases once reports are issued under Sec. 101 and 102.
2Reports driving sanctions (Sec. 101-102):
3- Sec. 101 requires a 60-day report identifying foreign individuals who have engaged in genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, or who have systematically blocked humanitarian aid, with annual updates for five years.
4- Sec. 102 requires a 60-day report identifying foreign individuals violating the UN arms embargo on Darfur, with annual updates for five years.
5Stricter sanctions with exceptions (Sec. 103, 103(c)):
6- Sanctions are subject to exclusions for humanitarian aid, food, medicine, and related activities; exceptions also protect intelligence, law enforcement, and national security operations; and compliance with international obligations (e.g., UN HQ agreements) can carve out ad hoc exemptions.
7- A national interest waiver allows the President to waive sanctions for vital national interests, with a 15-day congressional notification.
8Termination provisions (Sec. 104): Sanctions can be terminated for a person if credible evidence shows they did not engage in sanctioned activity, demonstrate significant behavioral change and accountability, or if termination is in the vital national interests. Sanctions tied to blocking humanitarian aid can end if a comprehensive peace agreement is reached and implemented.
9Policy framework and sense of Congress (Sec. 2-3): The act emphasizes an inclusive diplomatic process that meaningfully includes women and youth, justice and accountability for international humanitarian law violations, and a strategy combining civilian protection, unimpeded humanitarian access, and efforts toward a civilian-led transition to democracy. It also urges expanding UN arms embargo coverage and using UN/aid contributions to fund protective operations.
10Strategy and reporting (Title II, Sec. 201): Within 120 days, the President must submit a Sudan strategy outlining diplomatic mechanisms for ceasefire negotiations, protection of civilians, humanitarian access, women and youth participation, grassroots funding mechanisms, training for human rights defenders, and a sanctions strategy. The Secretary of State must provide a biannual implementation report for four years.
11Special Envoy for Sudan (Sec. 202): Amendments to extend the tenure of the Special Envoy for Sudan from 2 to 5 years, with appropriations of $4 million annually (2025-2029) to implement the amendments.
12U.S. influence in multilateral bodies (Sec. 203): The U.S. should use its voice at the United Nations and other bodies to press for unimpeded humanitarian access, document atrocities, support civilian protection plans, and push for an end to hostilities.
13Civilian protection and multinational force support (Sec. 204): The Secretary of State can provide assistance to deploy and sustain a UN, African Union, or multinational force to protect civilians and support humanitarian operations. This includes strict transfer restrictions and notification requirements if assets are shared or re-purposed, as well as engagement with international stakeholders to develop additional civilian protection options.
14Empowering Sudanese women and youth (Sec. 205): Requires proactive measures to foster meaningful leadership and participation of Sudanese women and youth in conflict prevention/resolution, humanitarian relief planning, and governance efforts, in line with the Women, Peace, and Security framework.
15Prohibition on major defense equipment (Sec. 206): Prohibits sale, export, or transfer of major defense equipment to countries identified as supporting the RSF or SAF, with a case-by-case waiver mechanism for vital national interests and a required expedited congressional notification.
16Humanitarian assistance safeguards (Sec. 207-208):
17- Sec. 207 requires a certification and report on non-restriction of U.S. humanitarian assistance, detailing countries that restrict transport or delivery of U.S. aid and the use of waivers.
18- Sec. 208 requires a report on U.S.-origin weapons used in Sudan, including who used them, the types, the chain of custody, and actions needed to prevent further use.
19Timing and cost: Several provisions set tight deadlines (60 days for initial reports, 120 days for strategy, 180 days for implementation reports, etc.). Title II includes annual funding for the Special Envoy program and related activities.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Sudanese civilians, including vulnerable populations and conflict-affected communities, particularly women and youth who seek a meaningful role in peace processes; humanitarian organizations delivering aid; and human rights defenders.Secondary group/area affected- RSF and SAF leadership and their networks (plus adult family members under potential sanctions), international financial institutions, defense suppliers, and countries that could be involved in arms shipments or aid routes.Additional impacts- U.S. diplomatic and development agencies (USAID, State Department) would have expanded roles in strategy, humanitarian access, and potential multinational force coordination.- International partners (UN, AU, regional actors) and donor nations may coordinate around the expanded arms embargo, civilian protection measures, and peace negotiations.- The act could influence regional security dynamics, humanitarian operations logistics, and accountability processes for atrocities in Sudan.- Civil society in Sudan, including women and youth groups, could gain increased visibility and resources for peacebuilding efforts, while needing to navigate increased scrutiny of violations linked to armed actors.

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