The U.S. president vowed to work toward a peace deal in the third-largest African nation.
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump told an audience that included Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Nov. 19 that the United States is working to negotiate a deal to end internal conflicts in the African nation of Sudan.
“I didn’t think that that was one that was going to be so easy to do,” Trump said. “I thought it was something that was crazy and out of control, but I just see how important that is to you and to a lot of your friends in the room.”
He made the remarks during a speech to the U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center, with hundreds in the crowd applauding in approval.
“His majesty would like me to do something very powerful, having to do with Sudan,” Trump said. “I viewed it as being just sort of a freelance, no government, no this, no that.”
Sudan is separated from Saudi Arabia by the Red Sea.
Fighting erupted between internal rivals affiliated with security forces in the third-largest African nation in 2023.
A contest for power between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the nation’s military, and its paramilitary unit known as the Rapid Support Forces has escalated into a battle for nationwide control of territory.
The crown prince explained the complexities of the situation to the president during their meeting at the White House on Nov. 18.
“It was very interesting to hear, really amazing, actually, to hear,” Trump said.
“I view it differently now than I did just a day ago.”
Trump highlighted his peacekeeping record, including what he described as the resolution of eight wars since taking office in January, noting that bin Salman thought that the issue in Sudan was potentially more important than the previous achievements.
“He said that would be the greatest thing you can do, that would be greater than what you’ve already done,” Trump said.
“We want the world to prosper. We want the world to be safe.”
