U.S. sanctions on al-Burhan mirror Bashir era: Dagalo advisor

Dr. Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim, advisor to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has described the U.S. Treasury sanctions imposed on army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his SAF as a significant blow, likening their impact to sanctions previously placed on dictator Omar al-Bashir.

“These sanctions will have profound economic, military, and political effects on Burhan,” Ibrahim said in a statement, emphasizing that the measures would weaken his ability to operate politically both domestically and internationally, thereby deepening his isolation.

Ibrahim suggested that the sanctions’ implications extend beyond Burhan, further exacerbating hardships for Sudanese citizens enduring war, hunger, and instability. He attributed the sanctions to Burhan’s continued pursuit of conflict, accusing him of resisting peace and prolonging the war.

He also alleged that Islamist factions within Sudan were driving the military conflicts, claiming they had seized control over decisions related to the war.

Additionally, Ibrahim accused Burhan of enabling atrocities in regions like Gezira state, asserting these were carried out with the collaboration of extremist groups, including ISIS, and foreign mercenaries from Tigray.

The advisor expressed hope that the sanctions would curtail such violations and reduce the SAF’s capacity to sustain the conflict. He further speculated that the measures might pressure foreign allies to reconsider their military and political support for Burhan.

With the sanctions coinciding with the imminent inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Ibrahim suggested that renewed international pressure could compel Burhan to engage in negotiations aimed at halting the war.

Politically, Ibrahim argued, the sanctions effectively end any aspirations Burhan might have had for a political future. “He will be barred from representing Sudan at forums like the UN General Assembly, further diminishing his international standing,” he said, adding that Burhan’s leadership had turned Sudan into a haven for extremists, threatening regional stability.

The U.S. sanctions come amid mounting global concern over Sudan’s descent into violence, which has left millions displaced and the nation teetering on the brink of collapse.

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