US targets Sudanese strong man, al-Burhan with fresh sanctions

The sanctions mark a significant move by Washington, likely tied to Sudan’s ongoing conflict and political instability under al-Burhan’s leadership.

This development comes as Sudan continues to grapple with internal strife, including clashes between rival factions of the military and worsening living conditions for its population.

The U.S. sanctions could signal a broader strategy to hold key figures accountable for actions exacerbating the country’s turmoil.

The activities of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) actions have indeed been a major concern.

According to Reuters, Sudanese soldiers have been targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, denying aid access, and refusing to participate in peace talks.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in severe human rights abuses and a massive displacement crisis, with over 10 million people displaced across Sudan.

The US has invited both sides to peace talks in Geneva, but General al-Burhan rejected negotiations with the RSF.

The situation is particularly dire for children, with 4 million displaced and over 700,000 at risk of severe malnutrition

The decision underscores mounting international pressure on Sudan’s military leadership amidst a deteriorating humanitarian and political crisis.

While specific details of the sanctions remain undisclosed, they are expected to target al-Burhan directly, potentially affecting his assets and international dealings.

Sudan’s instability has indeed been a longstanding issue, dating back to the era of former President Omar al-Bashir.

According to an Al Jazeera report, the International Criminal Court has charged al-Bashir and other top officials with genocide and crimes against humanity for their roles in the Darfur conflict.

However, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who played an active role in the military during that time, has not faced similar charges.

Al-Burhan’s military career spans several decades, including a posting to Darfur in the early 2000s, where he rose to become a regional commander by 2008.

Following the uprising that ousted al-Bashir in April 2019, al-Burhan became inspector general of the army and the third-most senior general in Sudan.

In a surprising turn of events, al-Burhan and his second-in-command, Hemedti, led a coup in 2021, seizing power and derailing Sudan’s brief transition to democracy.

Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has launched an investigation into alleged civilian abuses in Al Jazirah state.

This move comes after the army recently regained control of the state from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

According to the Sudan Tribune, the announcement came after rights groups and political factions accused the army of killing and detaining dozens of civilians in Kambo Tiba, alleging the abuses targeted the “Al Kanabi” community.

These accusations followed the army’s recapture of Wad Madani, the state capital, from the RSF.

The residents of Kambo Tiba were accused of collaborating with the paramilitary forces.

The report, however, highlighted that the army has admitted to certain “individual transgressions” by its forces in Al Jazirah but has remained silent on the specific allegations concerning Kambo Tiba.