US says Sudan's army and RSF have no legitimate authority to rule

The United States says neither Sudan's army nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has legitimate authority to govern the country, warning that Washington will increase pressure on both sides as the war continues.

State Department spokesperson Thomas "Tommy" Pigott said Tuesday that the conduct of the rival forces had made them ineligible to govern Sudan.

"Neither faction represents constitutional governance," Pigott said, accusing both sides of seeking to rule through force.

Washington said neither side had made a serious commitment to an immediate ceasefire and accused the warring parties of escalating fighting and drone strikes that have killed civilians.

The United States has repeatedly called for an unconditional humanitarian truce and political talks leading to a civilian-led transition, Pigott said.

He described the conflict as the world's worst humanitarian crisis and said President Donald Trump remained committed to supporting a peace plan with credible partners.

"In the meantime, the United States will seek to raise the cost of continued conflict on all belligerents and the networks that fuel the fighting," the statement said.

The remarks came amid a diplomatic dispute over Washington's decision not to issue a visa to the Sudanese army chief and Sovereign Council head General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.

Sudan has asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to intervene over the visa denial.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF began in April 2023 and has killed and displaced civilians while triggering a major humanitarian crisis.