By Sol Thamilarasan
On November 30, 2023, Andrew Lentz, who is the Office Director in the Africa Bureau’s Office of Sudan and South Sudan Affairs, gave us his expertise about the war in Sudan. This discussion gave attendees, a thorough insight into the atrocities and the current overall political and social climate in Sudan.
This discussion was heavily pushed by Hagir Elsheikh, who is a refugee from Sudan herself, to not forget about the war that is devastating her country amidst the several other wars that are currently happening in our world. Sudan and its people deserve justice and this is only possible by not forgetting their strength and determination towards freedom.
Andrew Lentz
The guest speaker, Andrew Lentz, joined the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service in 2003, and throughout his career, he has served in several embassies in the Middle East like Damascus, Muscat, and Cairo. He has covered Palestinian economic affairs in the Department’s Office of Israel and Palestinians Affairs from 2008 to 2010. In addition, he was Office Director for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor’s Office of Near Eastern Affairs from 2020 to 2022. Currently, Lentz is the Office Director in the Africa Bureau’s Office of Sudan and South Sudan Affairs.
Andrew Lentz started the discussion by establishing that what is occurring in Sudan currently isn’t a first, he tackles the sexual violence, sufferings, and mass killings of the Sudanese people; but also shone light upon the Sudanese people’s bravery and their resilience towards the atrocities that are being committed towards them, and to recognize the determination of Sudanese activists and peacemakers. Remembering these brave human beings is important when it comes to a conflict like the Sudan war, for it brings awareness and helps aid support for the people of Sudan.
This discussion was very informative, as it helped us better comprehend the war and the activists in Sudan. In addition, it raised important questions surrounding this topic, which is much needed during a time like this, for the people of Sudan, need as much support and recognition as they can get so their voices don’t get silenced and their bravery forgotten.
