Washington is trying to renew its focus on Sudan, despite its limited influence. After months of Democratic and Republican lawmakers calling on the Biden administration to help prevent Sudan from sliding into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
The role of special envoys has become increasingly controversial within the US State Department, where they are often seen as duplicating the work done by ambassadors. Most importantly, both the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have shown no indication that they are ready to begin serious negotiations.