Sudanese paramilitary commander slapped with US sanctions

KHARTOUM - The Rapid Support Force (RSF) commander is the latest victim of sanctions imposed by the United States Treasury Department, with gross abuse of human rights in West Darfur being one of the atrocious activities he is accused of.

In a statement, the Treasury Department said Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla led the RSF’s campaign in West Darfur, marked by credible claims of serious human rights abuses, including the targeting of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, and ethnically motivated violence.

A few days ago, Barkalla was slapped with sanctions by the United Nations Security Council. The war between the Sudan Armed Forces and the RSF erupted in April 2023 and has since left thousands dead and tens of thousands displaced from their homes.

The RSF and the Sudan Armed Forces have been wrestling for control of the country, leading to acute instability since the exit of Omar al-Bashir, the former ruler who was kicked out by the military following the civil uprising in 2019.

“Today’s action underscores our commitment to hold accountable those who seek to facilitate these horrific acts of violence against vulnerable civilian populations in Sudan,” Bradley Smith, Treasury’s acting under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in the statement.

“The United States remains focused on supporting an end to this conflict and calls on both sides to participate in peace talks and ensure the basic human rights of all Sudanese civilians,” Smith said.

The ethnic-driven violence is a major concern in the international community and the incoming US President Donald Trump could further pursue those linked with the violence. The military transitional council has yet to embrace civilian rule in the country.

The U.N. says nearly 25 million people – half of Sudan’s population – need aid. Famine has taken hold in displacement camps, 11 million people have fled their homes and nearly three million of those people have left for other countries.

Sudan is yet embroiled in a tussle over the control of Nile Basin waters and has since formed a coalition with Egypt against Ethiopia. The instability in the Horn of Africa has attracted world major economic and military powers, including countries within the Arab League of Nations bloc.

GAROWE ONLINE