US Imposes Sanctions On Sudanese Armed Group Leader And Militia For Destabilising Actions

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned a Sudanese armed group leader, Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel, and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade. These sanctions are under Executive Order 14098, targeting those destabilising Sudan and hindering its democratic transition. This action is part of efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

"Sudanese Islamist elements have long been a destructive force in Sudan, most notably during the Islamist regime of former President Omar al-Bashir (Bashir), who governed Sudan for 30 years until 2019. More recently, Sudanese Islamists have played a key role in derailing Sudan’s progress toward a democratic transition, including by undermining the former civilian-led transitional government and the Framework Political Agreement process," said the statement.

The US Treasury emphasised its commitment to collaborating with regional partners to secure peace in Sudan. The aim is to prevent the country from becoming a refuge for individuals who pose threats to American interests and security. This collaboration underscores the importance of regional stability for global security concerns.

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley stated that the US will not allow these militias to compromise regional and global safety: "The Treasury Department is using our powerful sanctions tools to disrupt this activity and protect U.S. national security." The use of sanctions aims to curb activities that threaten international peace.

The conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified in April 2023. This escalation has resulted in approximately 150,000 deaths and displaced over 14 million people, marking it as one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises currently unfolding.

The involvement of Islamist factions has significantly hindered Sudan's journey towards democracy. Their actions have disrupted both the civilian-led transitional government and political agreements aimed at stabilising the nation. These disruptions have further fueled ongoing conflicts within the region.

This strategic move by OFAC highlights a broader effort to address instability in Sudan through targeted measures against key figures involved in perpetuating violence. By imposing these sanctions, the US aims to support democratic processes while mitigating threats posed by armed groups within Sudan.

With inputs from WAM