The death of a second American citizen in Sudan has been confirmed by the White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. On a virtual call with the press, Kirby told reporters the unnamed American died on Tuesday, and stated they extend the deepest condolences to the family.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire that started at midnight on April 24 has seen some reports of violence and sporadic shelling and firing. Still, the levels of violence generally appear to have gone significantly down. However, Kirby urged both military factions to uphold the ceasefire fully and to further extend it. He also noted that the violence is simply unconscionable and it must stop and the Sudanese people want a return to peace and security in Khartoum and around the country, and they want to see a transition to civilian authority.
The U.S. is actively facilitating the departure of a relatively small number of Americans who have indicated that they want to leave and is deploying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, unmanned assets to support land evacuation routes. Americans are arriving in Port Sudan, and the U.S. is helping to facilitate their onward travel as appropriate.
Republicans are concerned that the Administration‘s focus on Sudan is misguided. They believe that the Biden Administration is too focused on short–term solutions and is not taking into account the long–term needs of the Sudanese people. They also point out that the evacuation of embassy personnel has caused the U.S. to lose its ability to conduct diplomatic relations with Sudan and has hindered the U.S. from looking after the long-term needs of the Sudanese people.
The situation in Sudan is complicated and will not be resolved quickly. People have vocalized that they believe the Biden Administration needs to focus on long–term solutions for the Sudanese people and should prioritize diplomatic relations with the country while helping the Sudanese people in their fight for peace, security, and a return to civilian authority.
US confirms second American death in Sudan, seeks extended ceasefire https://t.co/Efy8sxUzgd pic.twitter.com/oy2mYiXa34
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 26, 2023
