Checklist for an Effective Sudan Strategy

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Policy Requirements

Comprehensive Approach to Sudan

Plan must address all of the interconnected crises in Sudan, including: Darfur; the fragile Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the regime in Khartoum and the semi-autonomous government of South Sudan; the oft-neglected crisis in Eastern Sudan; and political oppression throughout the country

Comprehensive U.S. Effort

Plan must ensure that every relevant piece of the U.S. government is diligently following a common playbook and bringing the full weight of U.S. influence to bear

Multilateral Engagement from the U.S.

Plan must emphasize the importance of building a strong multilateral coalition to address Sudan’s many obstacles in a coordinated manner; the coalition should include China, other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, and key African and Arab states

Multilateral Action Toward Sudan

Plan must include a coordinated international strategy to be implemented by a multilateral coalition, depriving Sudan of its ability to play one international actor against another

Offering Earned Incentives

Plan must map out a clear but conditional process toward normalization of relations with the U.S. which would move forward if, and only if, the government of Sudan provably: permits unrestricted humanitarian access; secures peace in Darfur; fully implements the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; ensures free and fair elections throughout Sudan; and removes the indicted president

Preparing Serious Consequences

Plan must make clear that if President Bashir and his party renege on humanitarian commitments and continue to undermine efforts at peace, escalating costs will ensue, including: diplomatic isolation; targeted bilateral and multilateral economic sanctions; an effective multilateral arms embargo; and if necessary to stop massive loss of civilian life, targeted military action

The Imperative of Leadership

President Obama must direct and empower his administration to pursue a strategy for peace in Sudan that does all of the above; he must also make peace in Sudan a personal priority within the Oval Office, in cabinet meetings, and during his meetings with world leaders.

Media Contact:
Emily Diamond-Falk, 202-556-2120, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)