On Thursday, the United States imposed sanctions on a former Sudanese Official and two companies, one of which is based in Russia, accusing them of exacerbating instability in Sudan, where fighting has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of civilians. The U.S. Treasury Department targeted Ali Kerti, the former Foreign Minister under Omar al-Bashir, who became a leader in the Sudanese Islamic Movement after Bashir was ousted in 2019.
The Treasury added, "Kerti and other hardline Sudanese Islamists are actively obstructing efforts to reach a ceasefire to end the current war between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and Sudanese civilians, as well as efforts to restore the transition to democracy in Sudan." Kerti is a prominent figure among veterans loyal to Bashir's Islamic rule who maneuvered to protect their interests and regained some influence following the military coup orchestrated by the army and Rapid Support Forces in 2021.
The sanctions were also imposed on "GSK Advance", a Sudan-based company that the Treasury said was used as a procurement vehicle for the Rapid Support Forces. It was coordinating with the military supply company "AviaTrade" based in Russia, which was also targeted by sanctions today, to arrange the purchase of spare parts and supplies for drones previously acquired by the Rapid Support Forces, in addition to training activities.
Brian Nelson, the Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that "today's action holds accountable those who have undermined efforts to find a peaceful and democratic solution in Sudan." He added in a statement: "We will continue to target those who work to perpetuate this conflict for personal gain."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a separate statement, noted that "Washington has taken steps this week to impose restrictions on visa issuance for individuals believed to be part of efforts to undermine the democratic transition in Sudan, including Sudanese Islamists, former officials, and others who suppress human rights and are involved in other violations."
"This action is the latest round of sanctions imposed by Washington following the outbreak of war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in mid-April, due to plans for political transition and the integration of the Rapid Support Forces into the army, following four years after the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir in a popular uprising after a long rule."
