US set to levy sanctions over violence in Sudan

THE White House has said it will levy sanctions against people “who are perpetuating the violence” in Sudan, as warring sides fail to abide by a ceasefire agreement.

The US is imposing visa restrictions on specific people in Sudan, including officials from the warring Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, and leaders from the former Omar al-Bashir regime, who are “responsible for, or complicit in, undermining Sudan’s democratic transition”, according to the state department.

President Joe Biden on May 4 laid the groundwork for the sanctions when he issued an executive order that expanded US authorities to respond to the violence and help bring an end to the conflict.

“These measures are intended to hold accountable those responsible for undermining the peace, security, and stability of Sudan,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

The Treasury Department said four companies are being designated: Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd, which is controlled by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and his brother, RSF deputy commander Abdul Rahim Dagalo; Tradive General Trading LLC, a front company controlled by RSF major

Algoney Hamdan Dagalo, who also is a brother of the RSF commander; Sudan’s largest defence company, Defence Industries System; and the arms company Sudan Master Technology, which is linked to the SAF.

“Through sanctions, we are cutting off key financial flows, depriving them of resources needed to pay soldiers, rearm, resupply, and wage war in Sudan,” treasury secretary Janet Yellen said.