What's happened
On November 19, 2025, President Donald Trump announced plans to intervene in Sudan's civil war following a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has killed over 40,000 and displaced more than 14 million. Trump committed to working with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern partners to end atrocities and stabilize Sudan.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in US Engagement
President Trump's announcement marks a significant pivot in US involvement in Sudan's conflict, which had previously received limited attention from his administration. This shift is largely driven by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's direct appeal, leveraging Trump's self-image as a peacemaker and his pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize.
Regional Power Dynamics
The Sudan war is a proxy battleground for Gulf rivalries, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces, while the UAE backs the RSF. Trump's commitment to collaborate with these regional actors reflects an attempt to balance competing interests to achieve stability.
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Security
The conflict has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with over 14 million displaced and tens of thousands dead. Saudi officials warn that continued instability threatens Red Sea security and could enable extremist groups to expand, making resolution a strategic priority beyond Sudan.
Challenges Ahead
Despite Trump's pledge, the fractured nature of the conflict, regional rivalries, and the RSF's recent atrocities complicate peace efforts. The US-led Quad group has struggled to produce tangible results, and the RSF's rejection of ceasefires poses ongoing risks.
Outlook
Trump's engagement will likely increase diplomatic pressure and may catalyze renewed peace talks. However, success depends on reconciling Gulf rivalries and securing commitments from both Sudanese factions. The humanitarian situation demands urgent attention, and any progress could alleviate regional instability and global security threats.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel highlights Trump's admission that the Sudan conflict "wasn't on my charts" before the Saudi crown prince's intervention, emphasizing the president's pledge to use his influence to end the war and stabilize Sudan alongside Middle Eastern partners. France 24 underscores the humanitarian toll, noting the UN's calls for global attention and Trump's commitment to work with regional powers, including the UAE, which denies backing the RSF. Al Jazeera details Trump's immediate response following the crown prince's request, his administration's swift action, and the dire humanitarian conditions, including famine and mass displacement. Reuters provides insight into the strategic motivations behind Saudi Arabia's appeal to Trump, linking Sudan's stability to Red Sea security and regional rivalries, while noting the Quad group's limited progress. The New Arab and AP News both report on the complex regional alliances and the RSF's recent capture of El-Fasher, highlighting international concerns over atrocities and the fragmented nature of peace efforts. Collectively, these sources portray a multifaceted crisis with high stakes for regional security and humanitarian outcomes, framed by Trump's renewed diplomatic engagement prompted by Saudi influence.
How we got here
Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has caused widespread violence, displacement, and famine, drawing in regional powers with competing interests. Saudi Arabia and Egypt back the army, while the UAE is accused of supporting the RSF. International efforts to broker peace have struggled amid ongoing hostilities.
Go deeper
- What role does Saudi Arabia play in the Sudan conflict?
- How is the US planning to stabilize Sudan?
- What is the humanitarian impact of the Sudan civil war?
Common question
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Can Trump Help End the Sudan Conflict?
With recent efforts announced by former President Donald Trump to work with Middle Eastern allies, many are wondering if his involvement could bring peace to Sudan. The ongoing conflict, which began in 2023, involves complex regional rivalries and foreign-backed factions. In this page, we explore Trump's role, the importance of regional stability, and what might happen next in Sudan's crisis.
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What Is Trump's Plan to Intervene in Sudan's Ongoing Conflict?
With the recent announcement from President Donald Trump about potential intervention in Sudan's civil war, many are wondering what this means for the region. Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict since April 2023, involving complex regional alliances and humanitarian crises. In this page, we explore Trump's approach, regional involvement, and what this could mean for global stability. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the situation and the potential impact of international intervention.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, colloquially known as MBS, is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He is currently serving as the country's deputy prime minister and is also Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs, Chairman of
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
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The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m
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The Sudanese Armed Forces are the military forces of the Republic of the Sudan. During the 39-month transition to democracy that started in September 2019, the August 2019 Draft Constitutional Declaration defines the Supreme Commander of the Sudanese Arme
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.