The United States has imposed sanctions on a top Sudanese military leader, accusing him of serious human rights abuses in Sudan’s West Darfur.
On Tuesday, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against Abdel Rahman Joma’a Barakallah, a commander with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which it called a main player in ongoing violence against Sudanese civilians.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been devastated by conflict between the army, led by General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, and the RSF, led by his former deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.
The Treasury noted that RSF’s actions in West Darfur have led to credible reports of severe human rights abuses, including violence against civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, and ethnic targeting.
UN experts estimate the RSF killed 10,000 to 15,000 people in El Geneina, West Darfur.
“This action highlights our commitment to hold those accountable who enable such horrific violence against vulnerable civilians in Sudan,” said Treasury acting under secretary Bradley Smith. The US remains dedicated to supporting peace efforts and urges both sides to engage in talks to protect the basic rights of all Sudanese civilians.
