On Thursday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under Executive Order (E.O.) 14098. This decision highlights the U.S. commitment to holding those responsible for destabilizing Sudan accountable.
Sanctions Overview
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed these sanctions in response to Burhan’s role in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has escalated into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The sanctioning of Burhan follows a previous designation on January 7, 2025, of Mohamed Hamdan Daglo Mousa (Hemedti), leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), for their roles in destabilizing the region.
In addition to Burhan, OFAC also sanctioned one individual and one company involved in weapons procurement for the Defense Industries System (DIS), the SAF’s procurement arm, which was previously sanctioned in June 2023.
U.S. Commitment to Ending the Conflict
Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Wally Adeyemo, emphasized that the U.S. sanctions reflect their commitment to ending the conflict in Sudan. He stated, “Today’s action underscores our commitment to seeing an end to this conflict. The United States will continue to use our tools to disrupt the flow of weapons into Sudan and hold these leaders responsible for their blatant disregard of civilian lives.”
Humanitarian Crisis and War Crimes
The Treasury Department’s release also highlighted the humanitarian impact of the conflict, noting that Burhan’s SAF has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians, including airstrikes on protected infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and markets. These tactics have been used to deny humanitarian aid and to deprive civilians of essential resources, exacerbating the crisis.
In December 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially determined that the SAF had committed war crimes. The U.S. government attributes the majority of Sudan’s ongoing humanitarian disaster to the actions of the SAF and RSF, with famine declared in five regions of the country.
Background of Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan’s Role
Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan became the commander of the SAF after co-leading a military coup in October 2021 that overthrew Sudan’s civilian-led transitional government. Since taking power, Burhan has opposed any return to civilian governance and rejected participation in peace talks to resolve the conflict. Instead, he has prioritized military actions over negotiations, continuing a war that has severely impacted the Sudanese population.
The U.S. Treasury’s sanction is based on Burhan’s leadership of the SAF, which has been identified as a significant threat to Sudan’s peace, security, and stability due to its military actions under his command.