The expanded visa restrictions for those who seek to undermine the democratic transition in Sudan reflect the resolve by the United States to support the people of Sudan who are moving toward a civilian-led government.
Blinken announced the expansion of the visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) (or "3C") of the Immigration and Nationality Act, according to a Dec. 7 news release. He said this was done to cover current or former Sudanese officials or other people who are believed to be responsible or complicit in undermining the democratic transition. That includes individuals involved in suppressing human rights and fundamental freedoms and their immediate family members.
“We welcome the announcement by Sudanese parties of an initial framework political agreement. But progress is fragile, so I have expanded the Sudan visa restriction policy to strengthen our ability to deter would-be spoilers from undermining Sudan's democratic transition,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a Dec. 7 post on Twitter.
With October marking a year since the coup, Blinken said time is critical to come to an agreement on a new transitional framework and a civilian-led government to move ahead with the democratic transition in Sudan. The key to unlocking the resumption of international assistance is putting in place a new civilian-led government, he said in a release on the anniversary of the military takeover. The U.S. is prepared to use every tool available against anyone who tries to derail progress in the democratic transition, he said.
Al Jazeera reported the initial framework agreement on the military’s formal role limits it to a security and defense council headed by a prime minister, but leaves sensitive issues, including transitional justice and security sector reform, up for further debate.
