Why did United States today sanctioned Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces?
Introduction
The United States imposed sanctions on Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), on January 16, 2025, for several reasons:
Attacks on Civilians and Infrastructure
Under Burhan’s leadership, the SAF has committed lethal attacks on civilians, including:
Indiscriminate airstrikes against protected infrastructure such as schools, markets, and hospitals
Attacks on civilian areas leading to widespread casualties
Humanitarian Crisis
Burhan’s actions have contributed significantly to Sudan’s humanitarian crisis:
The SAF is responsible for routinely and intentionally denying humanitarian access
They have used food deprivation as a war tactic
These actions have led to famine being declared in five regions of Sudan
War Crimes and Human Rights Violations
In December 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined that members of the SAF had committed war crimes
There have been reports of extrajudicial executions and ethnic-based violence
Obstruction of Peace Process
Burhan has opposed a return to civilian governance in Sudan
He has refused to participate in international peace talks to end the fighting
The U.S. accuses him of choosing war over good-faith negotiation and de-escalation
Broader Conflict Context
These sanctions come in the context of Sudan’s ongoing civil war:
The conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to over 24,000 fatalities and displaced more than 14 million people
The U.S. had previously sanctioned RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on January 7, 2025
Conclusion
The sanctions aim to disrupt the flow of weapons into Sudan and hold leaders accountable for their actions. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo stated that this action underscores the U.S. commitment to ending the conflict and holding leaders responsible for their disregard of civilian lives.
