Politics US sanctions against Sudanese ruler for war atrocities
The USA has imposed sanctions against Sudan's de facto ruler Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan and one of his arms procurers.
17.01.2025, 10:48
17.01.2025, 10:49
SDA
"The United States will continue to use its resources to disrupt the flow of arms into Sudan and hold leaders accountable for their blatant disregard for civilian lives," said Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo on Thursday (local time), explaining the sanctions.
Under the sanctions, all property and interests in property located in the United States or owned or controlled by U.S. citizens will be blocked.
A Sudanese military spokesman spoke of an "unjust decision". All measures against the army leadership are firmly rejected, he said in a statement.
Violations of international law and arbitrary attacks on civilians
Burhan's government army SAF had carried out deadly attacks on civilians, including airstrikes on schools, markets and hospitals, it said in justification of the sanctions.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the SAF of atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law.
"The use of food deprivation as a tactic of war and the deliberate obstruction of emergency humanitarian aid to millions of Sudanese have contributed to the world's largest humanitarian crisis," he emphasized. More than 25 million Sudanese were suffering from acute food shortages.
Previous sanctions against militia leaders
By imposing sanctions just a few days before Donald Trump takes office, the outgoing US administration is increasing the pressure on the protagonists of the power struggle in Sudan.
Last week, the US Treasury Department had already imposed sanctions against the militia leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and one of his financial backers. Daglo is the leader of the RSF militia, which is accused of numerous war crimes.
The general, who once seized power together with al-Burhan, has been fighting against al-Burhan's troops since April 2023.
The conflict triggered the world's largest refugee crisis according to the UN - more than twelve million people fled the fighting within Sudan and to neighboring countries.
