In a significant move to address Sudan’s worsening civil war, the United States has imposed sanctions on Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the country’s de facto leader and army chief. This announcement comes as Sudan enters the second devastating year of a conflict between its armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). While the sanctions aim to press leaders toward negotiations and reduce violence, the true tragedy lies in the humanitarian crisis that continues to devastate millions of Sudanese civilians.
The U.S. accuses al-Burhan of employing brutal tactics that violate human rights and international law, including indiscriminate bombings, extrajudicial killings, and restricting humanitarian aid to civilian populations. Allegations also include weaponizing food deprivation to starve communities, intensifying the suffering of vulnerable groups.
This move against al-Burhan follows similar sanctions on Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as “Hemedti,” leader of the RSF. By penalizing leaders on both sides of the conflict, the U.S. is aiming to position itself as an enforcer of accountability rather than a partisan actor. The sanctions freeze assets, restrict financial transactions, and attempt to disrupt the mechanisms fueling violence in Sudan.
The measures also extend beyond the individuals involved, targeting those supplying weaponry to perpetuate the conflict. By cutting off critical supply chains, international powers hope to weaken the warring factions’ capacity to wage war, creating pressure to negotiate.
The ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023, has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost, and over 12 million people have been displaced. Millions are now at risk of starvation, as the violence blocks access to regions dependent on humanitarian aid. Entire cities and villages lie in ruins, with infrastructure, schools, and hospitals destroyed in the relentless fighting.
Experts warn that Sudan is on the brink of one of the world’s worst famines in recent history. Children, families, and vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected, with many unable to access food, medical care, or even clean drinking water. For them, the sanctions are far removed from immediate survival, as their most basic needs remain unmet.
The ripple effects of this crisis extend well beyond Sudan’s borders, destabilizing neighboring countries and raising alarms within the wider international community. Aid groups and activists are calling for urgent global humanitarian intervention to alleviate the suffering and protect the millions of lives hanging in the balance.
The Biden administration has sought to frame these sanctions as a tool for justice rather than a show of support for any specific faction. A U.S. State Department spokesperson emphasized, “We are not taking sides. We are taking a stand against human rights violations and those perpetuating this senseless war.” The sanctions are crafted to demonstrate that atrocities will not go unnoticed and that there will be consequences for leaders who ignore calls for peace.
The international measures make it clear that the U.S. holds both al-Burhan and Hemedti—along with their respective forces—responsible for the escalating violence and deepening suffering in Sudan. However, skeptics question the effectiveness of these sanctions, pointing out that while they may hinder financial resources, they rarely result in immediate behavioral change among entrenched leaders.
While the sanctions send a strong signal, they remain only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Many experts believe that these measures must be paired with robust humanitarian aid and sustained international pressure to truly impact the crisis. Financial restrictions alone cannot rebuild shattered communities or restore access to vital resources like food and medical care.
