Thu Jan 16 20:21:30 UTC 2025: **US Imposes Sanctions on Sudanese General Amidst Ongoing Civil War**
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States has imposed sanctions on Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of leading lethal attacks on civilians and obstructing peace efforts in the ongoing Sudanese civil war. The Treasury Department cited evidence of airstrikes targeting schools, hospitals, and markets, along with the deliberate denial of humanitarian aid, using food deprivation as a tactic. This action follows similar sanctions imposed last week on Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is accused of widespread human rights abuses, including genocide in Darfur.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. Over 8 million Sudanese are internally displaced, with another 3 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The UN warns that famine is rapidly spreading across the country.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the SAF continues to target civilians, obstruct peace processes, and refuse to participate in ceasefire talks. He described the situation as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and expressed hope that the incoming Trump administration would continue efforts to resolve the conflict. Despite the sanctions, General al-Burhan remains defiant.
First Piper 