US Sanctions Top Sudan Official for Blocking Ruto Ceasefire Talks
The United States has imposed economic and visa sanctions on a prominent Sudanese official for obstructing armistice negotiations between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a statement, the United States noted that the country’s former foreign minister, Ali Karti, was mobilizing the forces to continue fighting, which was impeding ceasefire negotiations conducted by various delegations, including President William Ruto’s.
Ruto is conducting ceasefire negotiations on behalf of IGAD between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of RFS.
As part of the sanctions, the US Treasury will restrict Karti’s access to his US-based property.
US citizens and enterprises have also been warned against conducting business with Karti and his companies.
“All property and interests in property of the individuals and entities named above, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by them, individually, or with other blocked persons, that are in the United States or the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC,” US Treasury ordered.
In its explanation, the U.S. government stated that sanctioning Karti, who is presently the Secretary General of the Sudanese Islamic Movement, will allow groups to resume negotiations and assist in the transition to a democratic government.
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In addition to the former foreign minister, the United States sanctioned a Sudanese information technology and security company accused of arranging the procurement of war-related monitoring apparatus and spare parts.
The company was accused of purchasing the equipment from a Russian firm.
To reign in those sabotaging the peace process, the State Department of the United States will impose additional measures on other officials.
“The Department of State has taken steps this week to impose visa restrictions on individuals believed to be responsible for or complicit in past and current efforts to undermine Sudan’s democratic transition. This includes Sudanese Islamists and officials of the former al-Bashir regime,” read the statement in part.
In the meantime, the Ruto-led peace team faces an uphill battle as the military camp commanded by General al-Burhan has accused the Head of State of supporting their sworn enemy Dagalo.
On May 6, 2023, the Sudan War broke out and has since claimed the lives of over 600 individuals.
US Sanctions Top Sudan Official for Blocking Ruto Ceasefire Talks
