Senators and experts at hearing call Sudan "the world's deadliest" ongoing conflict and urge renewed U.S. engagement

Witnesses and senators at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing described the war in Sudan as an urgent humanitarian and security crisis and called for more sustained U.S. attention and diplomatic pressure on external actors supporting the fighting.

Ambassador Michelle Gavin told the committee that "Sudan's shockingly destructive war... the worst humanitarian crisis in the world" risks becoming worse and potentially producing famine on a scale not seen in decades. Joshua Mazurvi said the conflict extracts an “immense human toll” and creates openings for competitors and extremist actors.

Committee members pressed for action against external backers. Senators discussed reports that the United Arab Emirates has supplied materiel that helped the Rapid Support Forces sustain operations, and witnesses said outside support for the RSF and other actors complicates prospects for a negotiated settlement. Senator Van Hollen pressed witnesses on using U.S. leverage with external parties such as the UAE to reduce support for factions that fuel the conflict.

Witnesses recommended elevating civilian Sudanese voices in any diplomacy, coordinating talks that include external backers, and prioritizing protection of humanitarian access. Gavin said regional and multilateral engagement — including African Union participation — should focus on implementation of agreed accords and on pressure where external actors fuel the violence.

Discussion only: The hearing did not include votes or directives; senators and witnesses discussed options for U.S. leverage and diplomacy.

Looking ahead: Senators urged the administration and Congress to use available tools to press outside backers, protect aid flows and support Sudanese civil society as part of efforts to stabilize the country.