US Slaps Financial Sanctions on Three Sudanese Companies Linked to Warring Forces
The United States has imposed financial sanctions on three Sudanese companies accused of being directly linked to the warring forces in Sudan, as the devastating conflict in the northeast African country continues to rage on.
Background
The US Treasury Department has blocked all property and entities in the US belonging to:
- Alkhaleej Bank Co Ltd
- Zadna International Co for Development Ltd
- Al- Fakher Advanced Works Co Ltd
According to the Treasury Department, both Alkhaleej and Al-Fakher have direct ties to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with Al-Fakhers being a key component of the paramilitary’s lucrative gold export business. Zadna is run by the army and helps provide revenue for a military-run weapons company that has already been sanctioned by the US.
Aim
This latest move marks another attempt by Washington to pressure Sudan’s leaders and companies to end the conflict, which has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Conflict Update
The Rapid Support Forces have appeared to gain the upper hand in the conflict over the past two months, with its troops making advances eastwards and northwards across Sudan’s central belt. Regional partners in Africa and Saudi Arabia, along with the US, have been trying to mediate an end to the conflict, but so far, talks between the warring parties have remained unsuccessful.
Key Statistics
- At least 12,000 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the United Nations.
- Over 10.7 million people have been displaced by the conflict.
Next Steps
The heads of the army and RSF, General Abdel- Fattah Burhan and General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, have yet to meet in person since the conflict began. The US is likely to continue applying pressure on Sudan’s leaders and companies to end the conflict and restore peace to the country.