Sudan says U.S. sanctions on military leader unjust

January 18, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s foreign minister on Saturday criticized the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on the head of the army, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, calling it “unjust” and saying it would have no impact.

The United States imposed sanctions on Burhan on Thursday, accusing him of favouring war over negotiations to end Sudan’s conflict and of overseeing tactics that include indiscriminate bombing of civilian infrastructure, attacks on schools, markets and hospitals, and extrajudicial killings.

“The decision is morally unjust because it affects the leadership of the Sudanese army at the hour of victory,” Ali Youssif told Sudan Tribune. He added that the sanctions had increased Burhan’s popularity and would not affect his military and civilian duties.

Sudan’s foreign ministry said on Thursday the sanctions lacked “justice and objectivity.”

The United States imposed sanctions on the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemetti,” on January 7, accusing his forces of committing genocide in Darfur.

The actions against both Burhan and Hemetti underscore Washington’s frustration with the ongoing conflict that erupted in April between the army and the RSF, which has killed thousands of people and displaced millions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, whose term ends Monday, expressed disappointment with the army’s repeated refusal to engage in peace talks. He remains hopeful that the incoming administration will continue diplomatic efforts in Sudan.

“It is for me, yes, another real regret that when it comes to Sudan, we haven’t been able on our watch to get to that day of success,” Blinken told reporter  at a farewell press conference.