The U.S. has sanctioned Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, for violent tactics in the civil war that have caused immense suffering. This comes after sanctions on rival leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Burhan has dismissed these measures, while the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as efforts for negotiations falter.
The United States imposed sanctions on Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, accusing him of perpetuating a brutal civil war that has caused significant human suffering. The sanctions stem from the army’s tactics, which include indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and extrajudicial killings. This action follows earlier sanctions on rival paramilitary leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, amid an ongoing conflict that has led to widespread hunger and displacement.
Burhan, in a public statement, dismissed the sanctions, expressing willingness to accept any punitive measures as part of serving his country. The U.S. measures also target individuals and companies involved in supplying arms to the Sudanese army, freezing assets and restricting U.S. dealings with them while allowing for humanitarian assistance transactions. The war that reignited in April 2023 has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, affecting millions.
The Sudanese foreign ministry criticized the U.S. sanctions as a reflection of confusion and injustice, alleging that Washington is complicit in the actions of the Rapid Support Forces. Despite efforts by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to facilitate peace talks, the Sudanese military has largely resisted negotiations, opting for continued military engagement, including recent conquests of strategic cities.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed regret over the inability to resolve the conflict during his tenure, acknowledging some advancements in humanitarian aid. However, he recognized the persistent suffering and violations occurring in Sudan, emphasizing the need for ongoing diplomacy to address the crisis.
The army’s recent actions have drawn international condemnation, as allegations of war crimes and attacks on civilians continue to multiply, with the humanitarian situation in Sudan remaining dire.
Diplomatic efforts continue, but the conflict shows little sign of abating, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution and humanitarian support for the affected populace.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan arose from a coup in 2021 that ousted civilian leadership, leading to a power struggle between military factions. The civil war escalated in April 2023, resulting in substantial human suffering, widespread hunger, and mass displacement. This civil unrest has drawn international attention, prompting the United States to implement sanctions on key military leaders to pressure them towards negotiation and humanitarian considerations.
In summary, the U.S. sanctions against Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan reflect ongoing international concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, driven by violent military tactics and a refusal to engage in negotiations. With significant accusations against both military factions, the urgency for diplomatic intervention remains paramount to resolve the ongoing conflict and address the needs of the affected population.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
