Washington (AP) – The United States has announced sanctions because of the interrupted ceasefire in Sudan. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the government army and the RSF paramilitary units would violate the negotiated ceasefire.
Blinken accuses them of “looting, occupying and attacking civilian homes and infrastructure, using airstrikes and artillery, attacks (…) and obstructing humanitarian aid and the restoration of basic services”. Therefore, visa restrictions would be imposed on certain government army and RSF officials. In addition, economic measures would be imposed on certain companies related to both parties.
On May 20, both sides, mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia, agreed on a ceasefire so that humanitarian aid can be provided in the war zone. A control mechanism, supported by the USA and Saudi Arabia, among others, was set up to report violations of the ceasefire. The ceasefire was extended by five days on Monday. The RSF promised to stick to it.
Further measures could follow
At the same time, the group accused the armed forces of breaking the ceasefire. In recent days there have been repeated reports of shootings, airstrikes, bombings and looting by both sides. According to a media report, the government army recently interrupted negotiations with the RSF on a ceasefire.
They are ready to take further measures and want to continue to engage intensively with both parties, said US Secretary of State Blinken. One consequence of the economic sanctions against companies is that any assets of those affected are frozen in the USA – US citizens are prohibited from doing business with them. International business is also usually much more difficult.
