Trump as Peacemaker: Can He End Sudan’s Brutal Civil War?

In a world often torn by conflict, President Donald Trump is carving out a reputation as a surprising architect of peace, particularly on the African continent. Fresh off brokering a historic peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Trump now faces an even graver challenge: Sudan’s brutal civil war, often dubbed the ‘forgotten war.’

With an estimated 150,000 lives lost and over 14 million displaced since the conflict erupted in April 2023, Sudan stands as a glaring humanitarian crisis. The numbers are staggering—30 million in need of aid, over 600,000 facing catastrophic hunger. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of heinous acts, including ethnic-based killings and sexual violence, while aid convoys are targeted and hospitals bombed. The city of El Fasher in Darfur remains under siege, a grim symbol of the war’s unrelenting toll.

Yet, amidst this chaos, there’s a glimmer of hope tied to Trump’s emerging role as a global peacemaker. Cameron Hudson, a seasoned expert on African affairs and former senior official, believes the current administration is uniquely equipped to intervene. Trump’s recent diplomatic win in the Congo-Rwanda conflict has resonated with African leaders, who appreciate his straightforward, transactional approach—a refreshing departure from traditional U.S. rhetoric that often masks self-interest with idealism.

Hudson argues that now is a critical moment for U.S. involvement in Sudan, not just for humanitarian reasons but for global stability. A collapsed Sudan, with its 50 million people and strategic Red Sea location, could disrupt vital shipping lanes, destabilize the Gulf region, and trigger massive migration waves. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

At a recent U.N. Security Council briefing, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea echoed this urgency, labeling Sudan’s crisis as potentially the worst of its kind globally. She condemned external support for the warring factions—support that Trump, with his close ties to key players like Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, could uniquely help to curb. Hudson sees this as a golden opportunity for Trump to leverage his influence and forge a consensus among allies to end their backing of the conflict.

The path forward won’t be easy. Dedicated diplomacy is needed to bring the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF to the table, ensure humanitarian access, and protect civilians. But if Trump’s recent track record is any indication, his unorthodox style might just be what Sudan needs to step back from the brink. As the world watches, the question remains: can this self-styled dealmaker broker peace in Africa’s most devastating war?