Dagalo advisor: US sanctions on Burhan deliver significant political blow

The recent U.S. Treasury sanctions against SAF chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan represent a “significant political blow,” according to Ayoub Nahar, an advisor to Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.

Nahar told Eram News that the sanctions carry deep implications and could pave the way for further international actions should Burhan continue to disregard calls for peace.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Nahar characterized the sanctions as a “message with far-reaching consequences,” signaling that the international community is closely monitoring Sudan’s situation.

The measures, he suggested, underscore the possibility of increased pressure if Burhan persists in rejecting efforts to end the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. Treasury accused Sudan’s SAF under Burhan’s leadership of perpetrating deadly attacks on civilians, including airstrikes targeting schools, markets, and hospitals. Additionally, Burhan is blamed for using humanitarian aid denial as a war tactic, exacerbating the suffering in the conflict-ridden country.

Impact and Implications

Nahar emphasized the tangible effects of these sanctions, particularly in limiting diplomatic representation, arms supplies, and financial transactions. He stated that the penalties are designed to weaken Burhan’s ability to sustain his current policies, thereby creating greater opportunities for peace. The restrictions target individuals and entities profiting from the ongoing crisis, including arms dealers.

However, Nahar expressed skepticism that the sanctions alone would compel Burhan to negotiate. He claimed that Burhan’s decisions are influenced by the Islamist Movement (Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood), which he accused of prolonging and expanding the conflict. “Burhan is following the same path as ousted President Omar al-Bashir,” Nahar said, “combining contradictions and ignoring international pressures, leaving him with limited options.”

Broader U.S. Actions

U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo underscored the sanctions’ purpose in a statement, highlighting America’s commitment to ending Sudan’s conflict.

Adeyemo affirmed that the U.S. would continue using all available tools to disrupt the flow of arms into Sudan and hold leaders accountable for endangering civilians.

Among those sanctioned is Ahmed Abdallah, a Sudanese-Ukrainian official involved in the Sudanese defense industry, which facilitates arms procurement for the military.

Abdallah, who serves as the Chief Operations Officer of Portex Trade Limited, was accused of attempting to bypass sanctions through shadowy transactions. The U.S. Treasury revealed that Abdallah coordinated the purchase of Iranian-made drones from an Azerbaijani defense company for delivery to Sudan.

The sanctions also extend to companies and individuals linked to the SAF arms network. The measures are part of a broader strategy to disrupt illicit arms trade and reinforce international efforts to achieve peace and stability in Sudan.

Context of Conflict

Since the October 2021 coup that derailed Sudan’s democratic transition, Burhan has resisted calls for a return to civilian rule and rejected peace talks, opting instead for military escalation.

The ongoing conflict between the General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) and the RSF has resulted in widespread civilian casualties and displacement, with both sides accused of human rights abuses.

As international pressure mounts, the sanctions highlight the urgency of addressing Sudan’s crisis and restoring the path to democracy. Whether this move shifts the dynamics of the conflict remains to be seen.

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