US Sanctions Sudanese Army Chief Amid Ongoing Civil Conflict
The United States has placed sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, due to allegations of war crimes under his leadership. These sanctions follow previous actions against his rival, Dagalo, amid a devastating civil war that has caused extensive displacement and suffering. Efforts to mediate between the involved factions have so far largely failed, with the conflict escalating and humanitarian conditions deteriorating further.
The United States imposed new sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, on Thursday. The Treasury Department claimed that under Burhan’s command, the military has engaged in indiscriminate bombings targeting civilian infrastructure. These attacks have led to significant casualties, displacing millions and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. Just a week prior, sanctions were also placed on Burhan’s rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the Rapid Support Forces in the ongoing civil conflict.
Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan publicly responded to the sanctions, indicating he would welcome them, emphasizing his commitment to the nation even amid international condemnation. The sanctions also aim to restrict the supply of weapons to the Sudanese army, specifically targeting a Sudanese-Ukrainian national and a Hong Kong-based firm. These measures freeze all U.S. assets belonging to those sanctioned and generally restrict American dealings with them, although certain humanitarian activities are exempted.
The Sudanese armed forces have been engaged in a fatal conflict following their 2021 coup which uprooted civilian governance. The war, ignited in April 2023, has resulted in severe food shortages affecting half of the population. Dagalo faces accusations of genocide and committing egregious acts against civilians, including violent looting campaigns. Their deterioration in relations has only intensified the war’s violence.
Reacting to the US sanctions, Sudan’s foreign ministry labeled the actions as misguided and a defense of the RSF’s violent agenda. Efforts by the United States and Saudi Arabia to mediate peace talks have been largely unsuccessful, as the army has repeatedly disregarded proposals. Recent military advancements have led to the strategic capturing of key territories, further balancing the conflict in favor of Al-Burhan’s forces.
Human rights observers have reported the army’s indiscriminate assaults, with renewed attacks reported in Wad Madani this week. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed disappointment that the United States was unable to halt the conflict during his tenure, stating that while efforts for humanitarian access improved, the ongoing violence and suffering persist.
The recent escalation in Sudan’s civil war underscores the complex political landscape following the coup in 2021, when the army ousted civilian leaders. Since April 2023, a brutal conflict has erupted, leading to extensive humanitarian crises across the nation. The recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. exemplify international attempts to apply pressure on both military factions and highlight the continuing human rights violations prevalent in the region. As rights experts and local residents raise alarms over the tactics employed by the Sudanese army and RSF, the international community seeks to navigate this multifaceted crisis while facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid amidst ongoing turmoil.
The recent sanctions by the United States against Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, signify a deepening response to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing civil war. With accusations of war crimes and genocide trailing both key military leaders, the international community faces growing challenges in mitigating the conflict. While diplomatic efforts have improved humanitarian access, a resolution to the violence and suffering affecting millions remains elusive.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
