Washington on Monday announced sanctions top former Sudanese officials for “undermining the peace, security, and stability of Sudan”.
The sanctions, according to US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, back diplomatic efforts by the international community to end the conflict and demonstrate America’s commitment to achieve a civilian government and a transition to democracy.
The individuals are Salah Abdallah Mohamed Salah, Taha Osman Ahmed al-Hussein (Taha) and Mohamed Etta Elmoula Abbas.
The sanctions, it added, are pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14098 that imposes sanctions on certain persons destabilizing Sudan and undermining the goal of democratic transition.
“Treasury continues its efforts to identify and take action against individuals contributing to the instability in Sudan and undermining prospects for a peaceful resolution,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E Nelson said.
“The United States will not tolerate the continuing exploitation of the Sudanese people by those who seek to extend and deepen the conflict.”
Sudan plunged into chaos in April when tensions between the military, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Force paramilitary commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo escalated into open warfare.
Taha, the former State Minister and Presidential Office Director to former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, is accused of playing a pivotal role in managing the relationship between the Rapid Support Forces and regional actors to advance the RSF’s warfighting efforts.
“Taha is being designated for being a foreign person who is responsible for, or complicit in, or has directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Sudan, the department said.
The US says. Salah Gosh has been identified as a leader among the elements of the defunct al-Bashir regime responsible for security and military-related efforts.
“This group of former al-Bashir regime insiders prepared efforts to execute a coup against Sudan’s civilian government, with Salah Gosh working to attain regional and international support for their efforts. Salah Gosh has in the past publicly advocated for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to overthrow Sudan’s civilian government, commenting that he was prepared to provide thousands of trained jihadist fighters to support the effort,” the statement said.
Elmoula, the former Sudanese Ambassador and leader of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service under the al-Bashir regime, is accused of engaging in acts that have undermined the peace, security, and stability of Sudan, including seeking to return the al-Bashir regime to power, and thwarting efforts to reconcile opposing factions within the Sudanese political system. He is reportedly based in Turkey.
What do the sanctions mean?
With the sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated persons that are in the US or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC, the deparment said.
In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 per cent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.
Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons,” the statement added.
In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action.
The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from the individuals.
