The United States has taken a firm stance against the leader of Sudan's military, imposing sanctions on him for obstructing humanitarian aid and engaging in destructive actions such as bombing hospitals, schools, and markets. The Treasury Department announced sanctions against Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, citing his role in exacerbating a conflict that has led to a widening famine and the largest displacement crisis globally.
This move by the U.S. government is part of a broader effort to leverage financial penalties to influence the behavior of foreign actors. In addition to the sanctions on al-Burhan, the U.S. also imposed penalties on Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, the leader of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who is engaged in a longstanding conflict with al-Burhan.
The violent clashes between the forces of al-Burhan and Mousa have resulted in numerous atrocities, including ethnically motivated killings and rapes, as reported by the United Nations and human rights organizations. Both sides have been accused of impeding the delivery of crucial aid to civilians in need.
Tragically, the power struggle between the two factions has claimed the lives of over 24,000 individuals and displaced more than 14 million people, constituting approximately 30% of Sudan's population. The crisis has forced an estimated 3.2 million Sudanese to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan, with rising deaths from starvation prompting declarations of famine in multiple regions of Sudan.
Furthermore, the International Criminal Court is actively investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the context of this conflict. The U.S. sanctions are primarily aimed at disrupting the flow of weapons into Sudan and holding the warring parties accountable for their disregard for civilian lives.
Additionally, the U.S. has targeted individuals involved in networks that exploit North Korean workers, forcing them to work abroad to generate revenue for the North Korean government and military. The sanctions extend to a North Korean weapons-trading department, two front companies operating in Laos, and a Chinese firm accused of supplying electronic equipment to North Korea.
