Summary of HRES 982: Condemning violence in Sudan and calling for robust diplomacy
Overview
HRES 982 is a non-binding House Resolution introduced January 29, 2024, that condemns ongoing hostilities in Sudan and urges renewed, broad international diplomatic efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities, protect civilians, and ensure unfettered humanitarian access. The resolution advocates for a U.S. leadership role, stronger sanctions and accountability measures, and engagement with regional partners to support a civilian-led democratic transition. It has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Purpose and policy objective
- Express strong condemnation of Sudanese hostilities since April 15, 2023, including civilian harm, systemic sexual violence, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
- Stand with the Sudanese people in their push for peace and democratic governance.
- Advance a pathway toward a ceasefire and civilian protection, with unimpeded humanitarian aid.
- Strengthen U.S. diplomatic leadership and coordination with international partners to address the crisis and to pursue a more inclusive diplomatic track beyond existing talks.
Key provisions and changes the bill would advocate
1) War and civilian protection
- Call for permanent cessation of hostilities by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
- Demand end to attacks on civilians and establishment of safe passage for civilians and humanitarian relief.
2) U.S. diplomatic leadership and process
- Requires the President to designate an experienced, high-level U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Sudan to coordinate U.S. policy and work with international partners, reporting directly to the President or the Secretary of State.
- Encourage development of an inclusive alternative to the Jeddah talks, aimed at broader engagement.
3) Atrocity determinations and sanctions strategy
- Secretary of State to review and update atrocities determinations for Sudan, including potential genocide findings.
- Expand coordination with the Treasury to develop a comprehensive sanctions strategy targeting RSF/SAF leadership and others involved in arms supply.
- Coordinate with the U.N. and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. to ensure Security Council attention to violations, protection of civilians, and accountability mechanisms for atrocities, including genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.
- Increase end-use monitoring of U.S. weapons to detect diversion to SAF/RSF.
4) Regional and international engagement
- Work with regional actors and partners, notably the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, to cease hostilities, protect civilians, empower a civilian-led transition, and establish accountability mechanisms.
- Impose targeted sanctions on individuals complicit in violations or in corrupt activity and on arms suppliers.
- Suspend Sudan’s participation in regional and multilateral organizations until a civilian-led government is established.
Who would be affected
- Sudanese civilians (through enhanced protection and humanitarian access).
- RSF and SAF leadership and affiliates (through potential targeted sanctions and enhanced monitoring).
- U.S. policymakers (through appointing a dedicated Sudan envoy and coordinating with Treasury and the UN).
- Regional partners (UK/EU not specified, but implied through regional diplomacy with UAE and Egypt).
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced: January 29, 2024.
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the same day (2024-01-29).
- Status: Introduced in the House (non-binding resolution).
Potential impact
- Signals strong bipartisan U.S. emphasis on humanitarian protection, accountability, and a civilian-led transition in Sudan.
- Seeks to elevate diplomacy with a dedicated envoy and broadened international coordination.
- Opens avenues for targeted sanctions and enhanced monitoring of arms flows, potentially affecting teams and networks involved in the conflict.
- Encourages regional engagement and leverage to pressure parties toward a ceasefire and civilian protection, while also suspending Sudan’s participation in some regional bodies until democratic governance is restored.
