US Administration Puts a Medal on Mirghani Idris’ Chest

Washington – Sudanhorizon
The US administration has, in effect, awarded Lt. Gen. Mirghani Idris a “medal.” The US Treasury Department announced a financial ban on the head of Sudan’s Defense Industries System (DIS), accusing him of being the “primary supplier of weapons to the Sudanese army” and claiming that by doing so, he has “encouraged continued fighting instead of seeking peace.”
In a press release issued on Thursday, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) stated that sanctions had been imposed on Mirghani Idris Suleiman under Executive Order 14098 for his leadership in the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) efforts to procure weapons used in their ongoing war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The statement highlighted that Idris was central to arms deals that fueled the war and expanded its scope. As the Director-General of the Defense Industries System, Idris led the critical entity responsible for producing and acquiring weapons for the Sudanese military.
OFAC had already designated the Defense Industries System on June 1, 2023, as an entity involved in actions or policies that threaten Sudan’s peace, security, or stability.
The statement claimed that since the beginning of the war, the Sudanese Armed Forces prioritized acquiring weapons, including Iranian drones and a port-for-arms deal with Russia, choosing to escalate the conflict instead of pursuing peace negotiations in good faith.
Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said in the press release: “Today’s action highlights the pivotal role played by key individuals like Mirghani Idris Suleiman in arms procurement. The United States is committed to disrupting both sides’ ability to buy weapons and secure external funding that undermines the potential for a peaceful resolution.”
According to the statement, this action means that all property and interests in property of the designated individuals within the United States, or under the possession or control of US persons, must be reported to OFAC. Furthermore, any entities owned 50% or more by sanctioned individuals, either directly or indirectly, are also subject to the same restrictions.
The prohibitions also extend to making or providing funds, goods, or services by or to any designated person or receiving such contributions or services from them.
Supporters of the Sudanese Armed Forces in their war against the RSF view the US Treasury’s decision as, in essence, a “medal of honour” for Lt. Gen. Mirghani Idris. They believe it recognizes his crucial role, through his responsibilities, in securing various types of weapons for the armed forces, other national security forces, and volunteers, enabling them to defend Sudan and its people in their just war against the foreign-backed RSF invasion.

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