The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on Sudan’s military chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, due to his role in humanitarian crises marked by civilian attacks and food aid denial. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that there is no military solution to the Sudanese conflict, and the U.S. aims to hold responsible leaders accountable through sustained efforts to mitigate violence and suffering among the civilian population.
On Thursday, the Biden administration announced sanctions against General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s military, due to his alleged involvement in attacks against civilians, obstruction of food aid, and his role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which Secretary of State Antony Blinken described as the world’s worst. Amidst these developments, Blinken reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict, emphasizing the grave suffering of the Sudanese populace.
The Treasury Department criticized Burhan’s military for executing lethal attacks on civilians, including airstrikes on protected sites such as schools, markets, and hospitals. Furthermore, they highlighted his refusal to engage in peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing violence. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to ending the conflict and holding responsible leaders accountable for their actions against civilians.
Burhan’s sanctions follow previous ones imposed on General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Blinken stated that these combined sanctions reflect the U.S. stance that neither leader is suitable for governing a peaceful Sudan. The ongoing conflict has resulted in approximately 150,000 deaths and displaced over 11 million people since its eruption in April 2023.
The war, which stemmed from a power struggle, has spawned significant suffering, with the U.N. reporting that over half of Sudan’s population, totaling 51 million, requires aid and one-third faces hunger. The U.S. has expressed frustration over a lack of progress in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, which has seen the military impose stringent conditions on humanitarian aid deliveries.
Moreover, the involvement of various foreign powers has exacerbated the situation, with the United Arab Emirates supplying weapons to the RSF and Iran supporting the military. A Sudanese official noted that the U.S. sanctions might drive Sudan closer to Russia, which has already offered support to the military through state-run paramilitary groups. This official suggested that the public might rally around the government’s leadership in response to perceived threats.
This year, the Sudanese military has made territorial gains in the ongoing conflict, with the city of Wad Madani seeing significant casualties. Recent reports describe harrowing violence and a deteriorating humanitarian situation, with the military acknowledging some individual wrongdoings while failing to accept broader responsibility. The conflict is further complicated by the involvement of unregulated militias affiliated with both factions, leading to dire consequences for civilians and the healthcare system.
Since the conflict began, over 110 aid workers have faced violence, and the U.N. documented numerous attacks on healthcare facilities, exacerbating the already critical humanitarian crisis. The continuous assault on civilian infrastructure has significantly hindered the delivery of vital aid and worsened the suffering experienced by the Sudanese people.
The sanctions against General al-Burhan highlight the U.S. government’s response to ongoing humanitarian crises resulting from the conflict in Sudan. The struggle for power between the military and the Rapid Support Forces has led to violence against civilians, grave food shortages, and mass displacement. As foreign powers become more involved, the situation remains precarious, with significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian needs.
The U.S. sanctions against General al-Burhan reflect increasing international concern about the humanitarian situation in Sudan, where ongoing violence has led to widespread suffering. As diplomatic efforts continue to falter, the involvement of various foreign powers complicates the path to peace. The suffering of the Sudanese population is expected to persist unless decisive actions are taken to hold leadership accountable and foster a genuine commitment to peace talks.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
