The United States has imposed sanctions on Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), along with a company and an individual involved in weapons procurement. This move was announced by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.
In December 2023, Blinken stated that members of the SAF were found to have committed war crimes. Under Al-Burhan's leadership, these forces have been accused of continuing such acts, including targeting civilians and infrastructure, executing civilians, and violating international humanitarian law. The SAF is also accused of ignoring commitments made in the 2023 "Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan." Their actions have contributed to a severe humanitarian crisis affecting over 25 million people with acute food insecurity and more than 600,000 facing famine.
Al-Burhan has reportedly obstructed peace efforts by refusing participation in international ceasefire talks held in Switzerland in August 2024 and hindering political transition towards a civilian government.
This sanction follows another designation on January 7, 2025, against Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, known as Hemedti, commander of the Rapid Support Forces. The U.S. views both individuals as unfit to lead Sudan towards peace.
The Department of Treasury executed these actions under Executive Order 14098 titled “Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition,” as amended. Further details can be found in Treasury’s press release.