The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced today that it has sanctioned Ali Yagoub Gibril and Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed, leaders of the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) war campaign in Sudan. The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order (E.O.) 14098 due to the RSF's recent attacks in North Darfur, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children.
The RSF's encirclement of El Fasher, North Darfur's capital, along with ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces, has put nearly one million Sudanese civilians at risk. This situation has also hampered humanitarian efforts, increased the likelihood of mass atrocities, and could potentially derail crucial peace initiatives.
"While the Sudanese people continue to demand an end to this conflict, these commanders have been focused on expanding to new fronts and battling for control of more territory," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "The United States will continue to use sanctions to support the peace process and act against those on either side who further perpetuate the conflict."
Ali Yagoub Gibril is currently commanding RSF troops around El Fasher and has played a key role in recent RSF offensives in North Darfur. Similarly, Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed is a major general in the RSF and plays a significant part in operational planning.
As a result of these sanctions, all property and interests within U.S jurisdiction belonging to these individuals are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Furthermore, any entities owned directly or indirectly by these individuals are also subject to these restrictions.
Financial institutions engaging in transactions with these sanctioned entities may expose themselves to sanctions or enforcement actions. These prohibitions include making any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by or for the benefit of any designated person, or receiving any such contribution or provision from any such person.
OFAC maintains that the goal of these sanctions is not to punish, but to encourage a positive change in behavior. For more information on the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897.
For detailed information on the individuals designated today, click here.
