The U.S. has sanctioned Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for attacks on civilians, including chemical weapon use. This follows prior sanctions on RSF leader Hemeti. Humanitarian crises are intensifying as the conflict proceeds while the Sudanese government condemns U.S. actions, particularly regarding the role of the UAE connected to arms supplies to RSF.
The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on Sudan’s military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, condemning his forces for attacks on civilians and their use of chemical weapons. This decision aligns with previously imposed sanctions on his rival, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. As violence escalates in Sudan, the U.S. government has determined that a genocide is being committed by the RSF. The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by allegations of chemical warfare.
The Sudanese army recently captured the city of Wad Madani but faced accusations for relentless air strikes on civilians. Reports from human rights organizations indicate the army’s attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, including targeting South Sudanese nationals. Concurrently, the U.S. sanctioned Ahmad Abdalla, identified as a key weapons supplier to the Sudanese military, attributing the sanctions to ongoing human rights violations.
In response to the sanctions, the Sudanese government criticized the Biden administration, asserting that the U.S. had failed to address the role of the UAE in perpetuating the war. The U.S. is expected to assess the UAE’s claim that it ceased arms transfers to the RSF, but skepticism remains regarding the UAE’s commitment. Reports also surfaced indicating that Chinese-made drones may have been transferred to the RSF, raising further concerns about external support for the group.
Analysts argue that the Biden administration’s approach of treating both the Sudanese army and RSF as equally culpable is misguided. Experts underscore that while both factions share responsibility for the conflict, the RSF’s actions amount to genocide. Critics emphasize that the timing and rationale for the sanctions appear politically motivated, suggesting a lack of accountability for U.S. policy decisions regarding Sudan. Calls for an independent investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons have been made, alongside the assertion that the sanctity of international law must be upheld.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated since April 2023, pitting the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to grave humanitarian impacts. The international community, particularly the U.S., seeks to address the ongoing violence by sanctioning key figures involved in the conflict. However, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of these sanctions and the overarching geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding the role of regional actors such as the UAE.
In conclusion, the recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. against Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan highlight the escalating crisis in Sudan. The allegations of chemical weapons use and the humanitarian catastrophe underscore the complexity of the conflict, with calls for accountability and a re-evaluation of foreign intervention and support in the region. The situation continues to be fluid, with significant implications for international relations and peace efforts in Sudan.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
