Palmetto State News

U.S. Senator Tim Scott, Senator Jim Risch, Representative Michael McCaul, and Representative John James have expressed their concerns over the temporary appointment of former Congressman Tom Perriello as special envoy for Sudan by the Biden administration.

In a joint statement, the lawmakers highlighted their disappointment with the timing of the appointment, stating, “The temporary appointment of a special envoy to Sudan, 10 months into the war, should not be viewed as a recognition by the Biden Administration of the significance of this crisis. Instead, it demonstrates yet another failure in its response to the crisis.”

The officials emphasized the urgency of the situation in Sudan, pointing out that Congress had called for a special envoy immediately after the war began. They expressed regret that the administration had not appointed a more permanent envoy despite the passage of several months.

While acknowledging the Department's argument that Senate confirmation was avoided due to the urgency of the situation, the lawmakers criticized the delay in making the decision, citing internal debates over resources and reporting lines. They called for Sudan to be a higher priority for Secretary Blinken and President Biden and expressed hope that the appointment would lead to a reset of U.S. policy towards Sudan.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has been characterized by unimaginable atrocities, including genocide, inflicted upon innocent civilians by warring factions with the support of various regional and global actors. The lawmakers noted that the crisis in Sudan has been largely overlooked by the international community.

According to the lawmakers, as of January 2023, special envoys with significant authority representing the United States are required by law to undergo Senate confirmation.

The appointment of Tom Perriello as special envoy for Sudan has sparked criticism from these lawmakers, who are calling for a reevaluation of U.S. policy towards Sudan and a more robust response to the crisis.