US imposes sanctions on military companies supporting conflict in Sudan

June 1, 2023 (WASHINGTON) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on four companies associated with the warring parties in Sudan.

These entities have been identified as affiliates of the two conflicting forces responsible for fueling the violence in Sudan: two companies linked to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and two companies affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

The targeted companies are Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd and Tradive General Trading, associated with the paramilitary forces, and Defense Industries System and Sudan Master Technology, linked to the Sudanese army.

The primary objective of these sanctions is to disrupt crucial financial flows to the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, depriving them of the resources necessary to pay soldiers, procure weapons, replenish supplies, and sustain their warfare in Sudan, as stated by the Treasury Department.

Secretary of the Treasury, Janet L. Yellen, emphasized the significance of these measures in support of Sudanese civilians and as a stance against those perpetuating violence against the people of Sudan.

“The United States unequivocally stands with the civilians of Sudan, and through these sanctions, we are cutting off vital financial lifelines that enable the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to continue their destructive actions,” stated Secretary Yellen.

The imposition of sanctions comes in response to the failure of both parties to adhere to a humanitarian ceasefire, which was intended to deliver essential aid to the civilians in Khartoum and facilitate the restoration of infrastructure services.

(ST)