Resilience is a Sudanese Trait

Dr. Enas Mohamed Ahmed
The world has known economic sanctions since ancient times, as governments and armies have resorted to imposing various forms of sanctions, including economic blockades, on countries and entities aligned with them to expand and assert dominance, control, and influence.
International sanctions policies often aim to achieve a comprehensive political impact within a specific timeframe. These sanctions typically target economic gateways that disrupt a country’s developmental plans, stripping it of balance and hindering economic growth. Such measures often profoundly impact a nation’s economy, affecting its long-term social and political stability.
Historically, after the repeal of the U.S. Embargo Act of 1807, the U.S. government shifted its focus to imposing economic sanctions on countries it perceived as threats to its foreign policy. The world, recognizing the devastating effects of targeting national economies as a weapon—arguably more challenging and dangerous than military operations—became less enthusiastic about sanctions. However, the United States took the lead in imposing sanctions on other nations, turning economic sanctions into a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Over time, specialized U.S. mechanisms were established for this purpose, most notably the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
OFAC, or the Office of Foreign Assets Control, is a financial intelligence agency operating under the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It imposes economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. These sanctions target foreign governments, regimes, and specific threats such as terrorism, international drug trafficking, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other activities that jeopardize U.S. national security, foreign policy, or economy.
Operating under the president’s national emergency powers and specific legislative authorities, OFAC imposes transaction restrictions and freezes assets under U.S. jurisdiction. Established in 1950 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., OFAC plays a pivotal role in implementing these sanctions.
Sanctions come in various forms, often targeting specific operations in a country. These measures are dynamic and change depending on political circumstances.
State-Level Sanctions: Broad measures that prohibit certain transactions with targeted countries.
Smart Sanctions: Designed to address threats against U.S. national interests, targeting individuals or entities rather than entire nations.
Sectoral Sanctions: Focused on specific sectors of a country’s economy, such as energy or finance, restricting activities in particular industries.
Secondary Sanctions: Imposed on individuals or entities that collaborate with those already under sanctions, further isolating offenders.
Economic sanctions have evolved into a powerful tool of U.S. foreign policy. Their effects often surpass those of conventional military actions, leaving long-lasting scars on nations’ economies and societal structures. As such, understanding their mechanisms and implications is crucial for any nation striving to navigate these challenges.
Despite facing numerous sanctions over the years, Sudan has demonstrated resilience and the ability to adapt—a testament to its people’s enduring strength and resourcefulness.