Nairobi, Feb. 27 -- The United States is tapping former diplomat and congressman Tom Perriello as Washington's special envoy for Sudan as it seeks direct influence on the path to peace in the troubled country.

Mr Perriello will help coordinate US diplomacy and efforts with partners across Africa and the Middle East to end the war, humanitarian crisis and atrocities, a dispatch said on Monday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Perriello would "advance our efforts to end the hostilities, secure unhindered humanitarian access, and support the Sudanese people as they seek to fulfil their aspirations for freedom, peace, and justice".

He will also work to "empower Sudan's civilian leaders and push US engagement with partners in Afric...