U.S. Tightens UN Sanctions on RSF Leaders

Washington – Sudanhorizon – Agencies

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced its decision to impose sanctions on Abdel Rahman Juma Barkallah, a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader in West Darfur, following the United Nations Security Council’s designation on November 8 of two RSF leaders as responsible for human rights violations and perpetuating the war.
According to the Treasury’s statement issued yesterday (Tuesday), the UN designated both Barkallah and Othman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed (Hamid) for their roles in leading RSF forces in actions involving ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses. The statement added that, under this decision, Abdel Rahman Juma would also face U.S. visa restrictions due to his involvement in severe human rights abuses, including the abduction and murder of West Darfur’s legitimate governor, Khamis Abakar. The U.S. Treasury had already sanctioned Othman “Operations” in May 2024.
The Treasury’s press release stated, “The United States welcomes the UN Security Council’s action on November 8, demonstrating its readiness to hold accountable those responsible for abuses against civilians in Darfur.”
The department added that this action is part of the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to support the Sudanese people and use available tools to impose sanctions on individuals committing atrocities and sustaining conflict.
The U.S. Treasury noted that its actions were taken under Executive Order 14098, “Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of Democratic Transition,” as amended.