U.S. Sanctions Sudan's Army Chief Amid Ongoing Civil War

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The United States has taken significant action by imposing sanctions on Sudan's army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in response to his alleged role in the ongoing civil war that has resulted in widespread violence and humanitarian crises. The U.S. Treasury Department accused Burhan of engaging in war tactics such as indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and extrajudicial executions.

This move follows a recent round of sanctions against Burhan's rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The sanctions aim to demonstrate that the U.S. is not taking sides in the conflict, while also preventing U.S. individuals and entities from engaging with the sanctioned parties.

In a defiant response, Burhan welcomed the sanctions, claiming they serve his country. Meanwhile, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the U.S. actions as misguided and accused Washington of failing to address the actions of the RSF.

The civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has devastated Sudan, leaving millions hungry and displacing countless others. Despite attempts by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to facilitate negotiations, Burhan’s forces have largely rejected such efforts while escalating military operations.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken lamented the inability to halt the fighting during his tenure, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian suffering in the region.

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