Sudanese Social Media Users Mock U.S. Envoy’s Hints at Deploying an African Force in the Country

Sudanhorizon – Updates

Sudanese social media users mocked statements made by the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, in which he hinted at forming an African force to protect civilians in Sudan.

Dr Al-Wathiq Kameer, an academic and political activist, commented on Perriello’s tweet on platform X (formerly Twitter), saying, “This type of statement from the U.S. envoy will once again provoke the Sudanese government and the Sudanese people in general.”
He continued, “It is a misguided and politically incorrect statement at a time when the Sudanese Armed Forces are making progress on the ground.”

The U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, revealed a new step for the upcoming phase concerning the cessation of conflict in Sudan following the failure of the Geneva Talks to reach a ceasefire agreement.

On Wednesday, during a meeting with a limited group of representatives from what he referred to as “civil society” in Nairobi, Kenya, Perriello said, “We have opened communication channels with the African Union regarding preparing and equipping forces to intervene, to protect civilians in Sudan.” However, he refrained from specifying a timeline for this.

Perriello further emphasised that the coming months “will be crucial for reopening discussions on issues that are crucial for all Sudanese people seeking peace and a peaceful civilian transition in the country.”

Other social media users considered the U.S. envoy’s remarks to be a way to gauge public reaction. They pointed out that previous attempts to bring in foreign forces to “protect civilians” had failed, whether in Sudan, South Sudan, or elsewhere. They criticised Tom Perriello, suggesting that he was speaking on matters he did not fully understand.