The United States announced sanctions against Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Thursday, accusing him of prioritizing conflict over peace efforts. The measures come as Sudan’s civil war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
The U.S. Treasury Department stated that under Burhan’s leadership, the military has engaged in indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and markets, alongside reports of extrajudicial killings. These tactics have intensified the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn nation.
This latest move follows sanctions imposed last week on Burhan’s rival, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Officials indicated the intent behind the sanctions was to avoid taking sides in the conflict, signaling accountability for both factions.
Burhan dismissed the potential impact of sanctions, remarking, “We welcome any measures if it means serving our country,” in a televised statement.
Additionally, the U.S. targeted individuals and entities linked to arms supplies for the army, including a Sudanese-Ukrainian national and a Hong Kong-based company. These sanctions freeze U.S.-based assets and restrict Americans from conducting business with the listed parties.
To ensure humanitarian aid is not hindered, the Treasury Department authorized specific transactions related to essential assistance. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to addressing the humanitarian consequences of the Sudanese conflict.