U.S. senators introduce Sudan sanctions and diplomacy bill

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US senators Sudan sanctions bill

Highlights

Senators Risch, Coons, Cornyn, and Shaheen introduced the PEACE in Sudan Act of 2026, expanding discretionary sanctions and requiring regular State Department reports to Congress.
The bill mandates assessment of Sudanese armed actors for possible Specially Designated Global Terrorists designation and outlines updated business advisories for U.S. companies tied to Sudan’s natural resources.
14 million Sudanese have been displaced and 19.5 million face acute food insecurity, driving lawmakers to push for international coalition-building and increased diplomatic pressure for a negotiated settlement.

Bill targets sanctions, reporting and ceasefire strategy

As announced by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senators Jim Risch, Chris Coons, John Cornyn and Jeanne Shaheen have introduced the Preventing External Aggression and Conflict Escalation, PEACE, in Sudan Act of 2026. The measure is designed to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan and hold perpetrators, aiders and abettors accountable.

The legislation calls on the secretary of state to assess whether armed actors in Sudan meet the criteria for designation as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. It also provides the administration with an updated and expanded discretionary sanctions regime, sets guardrails on non-lifesaving foreign assistance provided directly or through multilateral institutions, and requires an updated Sudan business advisory to outline risks for U.S. companies and supply chains tied to Sudanese natural resources.

The bill would also extend authorization for a U.S. special envoy for Sudan and require regular State Department reports to Congress on foreign governments and non-state groups supporting the warring parties, atrocities being committed and countries holding assets for those parties. In addition, it encourages the State Department to explore ways to build a broader international coalition focused on ending the conflict.

Conflict adds pressure on regional security and humanitarian response

Lawmakers frame the bill as a response to a war that has continued since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF, and the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF. The text says the conflict is fueled by support from regional and global proxies, while both sides and allied actors are accused of abuses against civilians.

According to figures cited in the announcement, 14 million people, about one quarter of Sudan's population, have fled their homes and 19.5 million people face acute food insecurity. Of that total, 5 million are living in emergency or famine conditions, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

The senators say a negotiated settlement remains the only viable path to peace and recovery. They also argue that a more stable Sudan would support broader regional security and U.S. interests, including Red Sea commerce and efforts to curb instability that could create openings for malign actors.

In our earlier coverage of the PEACE in Sudan Act of 2026, we outlined how the bipartisan proposal would expand discretionary sanctions, tighten restrictions on non-lifesaving assistance, and strengthen diplomacy through an authorized U.S. special envoy. We also noted the bill’s requirements for updated business risk advisories and regular State Department reporting on foreign support for combatants, alongside lawmakers’ emphasis on Red Sea commerce, regional security, and building a broader international coalition to help end the war.

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