The United States imposed sanctions on Sudan’s leader, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for choosing war over negotiations to end a conflict that has killed thousands and displaced millions. This is following sanctions imposed on Burhan’s rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The U.S. also targeted a Sudanese-Ukrainian national and a Hong Kong-based company for supplying weapons to the army. The sanctions freeze their U.S. assets and prevent Americans from dealing with them. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have tried to bring both sides to the negotiating table, but the army has refused most attempts. They have escalated military campaigns, leading to accusations of war crimes and atrocities against civilians. Despite efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and end the conflict, there has been little progress. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed regret for not being able to end the fighting during his tenure and hoped the next administration would continue working towards peace in Sudan. The army, now in control after a coup in 2021, has faced criticism for its actions, including indiscriminate bombings and attacks on civilians. The U.S. sanctions aim to hold those responsible for the violence in Sudan accountable and support efforts to bring an end to the conflict.
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Sudanese army chief Burhan targeted by U.S. sanctions
