US Imposes New Sanctions against Sudan

The United States has imposed new sanctions on a former Sudanese official and two companies, one of which is based in Russia, accusing them of exacerbating instability in Sudan amid a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of civilians.

This move represents the latest round of sanctions implemented by Washington following the outbreak of conflict between the military and quasi-military Rapid Support Forces in mid-April 2023.

The conflict stemmed from political transition plans and the integration of the Rapid Support Forces into the army, following the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir after his prolonged rule and a subsequent popular uprising.

The US Treasury Department revealed that it had targeted Ali Karti, a former foreign minister during al-Bashir's era, who became a leader in the Sudanese Islamic Movement following al-Bashir's ouster in 2019.

Karti is a prominent figure among the veterans and supporters of al-Bashir's Islamic rule who have maneuvered to protect their interests and regained some influence following the military coup in 2021, orchestrated by the army and Rapid Support Forces.

The Islamists have actively obstructed efforts to reach a ceasefire aimed at ending the ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces, Rapid Support Forces, and Sudanese civilians, as well as efforts to restore the transitional phase towards democracy in Sudan.

Additionally, sanctions were imposed on G.S.K. Advance, a Sudanese-based company that the US Treasury Department asserted was used as a procurement conduit for the Rapid Support Forces.

The Treasury Department claimed that this company coordinated with the Russian-based military supply company Aviatrade, also targeted by sanctions on Thursday, to arrange purchases of spare parts and supplies for drones previously acquired by the Rapid Support Forces, in addition to training activities.