...a Moslem country located in the Horn of Africa. It is noted for its affinity for rule by ex- or current generals, its holy men, and for the oppression of the native Afro population by its Arab conquerors. South Sudan, populated mostly by the natives, split off from Sudan proper, which left North and South Darfur to be oppressed by the guys with turbans...’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their role in a recent military campaign in North Darfur that has caused civilian casualties and threatened a fragile grinding of the peace processor.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Ali Yagoub Gibril, the RSF Central Darfur commander, and Osman Mohammed Hamid Mohammed, the group’s head of operations. The sanctions freeze any assets they hold within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit American citizens and companies from doing business with them.
"The RSF’s attacks in North Darfur have endangered nearly one million civilians and impeded access to humanitarian aid
," said Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson. "These sanctions target individuals who are undermining peace efforts and further perpetuating the conflict in Sudan."The U.S. administration had previously sanctioned the RSF itself and its deputy commander in 2023 for human rights
...which are usually open to widely divergent definitions...
abuses. Today’s action highlights the ongoing concerns about the paramilitary group’s activities in Darfur.
Escalating violence and humanitarian concerns
The RSF’s offensive in North Darfur began last month and included the encirclement of the region’s capital, El Fasher. This escalation in violence has displaced thousands of civilians and increased fears of mass atrocities.
The Treasury Department emphasizes Gibril and Mohammed’s critical roles in the RSF’s operations. Gibril commands troops surrounding El Fasher, the last major government-held city in Darfur, and Mohammed, as head of operations, plays a key role in planning RSF actions.
The United States is committed to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan. These sanctions aim to pressure the RSF leadership to stop their offensive in Darfur and encourage a return to dialogue.