Washington sanctions Sudan's military leader to push for civilian governance

The United States is set to impose sanctions on Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on January 16, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, according to Caliber.Az.

This move comes shortly after the US imposed similar sanctions on Burhan's rival in the ongoing Sudanese conflict earlier this month, signalling a clear message that both parties in the war are being targeted. The aim is to pressure both sides into a transition back to civilian-led governance.

The Sudanese army did not immediately respond to requests for comment, nor did spokespeople from the US State and Treasury departments.

In 2021, al-Burhan, alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led a military coup that ousted Sudan's civilian leadership. However, tensions soon rose between the two forces over efforts to merge their units, ultimately triggering a violent clash in April 2023. This war has had devastating consequences, killing tens of thousands of people, displacing millions, and pushing half of Sudan’s population into hunger.

One source, a diplomat, revealed that the sanctions are being imposed due to the Sudanese Armed Forces' actions against civilians and civilian infrastructure, their obstruction of humanitarian aid, and their refusal to engage in peace talks. These measures highlight the growing international concern over the conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

By Tamilla Hasanova