The United States is set to impose sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, following similar actions taken against his rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to multiple sources. This move, announced on Thursday, comes as the country’s brutal civil war, now in its second year, continues to devastate Sudan, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing millions.
The sanctions aim to hold Burhan accountable for his role in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has led to widespread human suffering. The fighting has displaced millions of Sudanese, with many fleeing to neighboring countries or being forced into internally displaced camps. Over half of Sudan’s population is now facing severe food insecurity, and experts warn the country is at risk of experiencing one of the world’s worst famines in decades.
The United States has previously accused both the Sudanese army and the RSF of committing human rights violations, including targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. According to diplomats, Burhan’s military actions, including blocking humanitarian aid and refusing to allow United Nations aid convoys into the country, have contributed to the escalating crisis. One of the key border crossings at Adré, which is vital for the delivery of aid, has been repeatedly blocked by the army.
The sanctions on Burhan are seen as a clear indication that the US is not taking sides in the conflict but is rather holding both parties accountable for the destruction and suffering caused by the war. The decision highlights Washington’s commitment to addressing human rights abuses in Sudan and ensuring that those responsible for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis are held to account.
