Sudan’s Burhan dismisses US sanctions, assumes direct command of military operations
January 19, 2025 (OMDURMAN) – General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, has dismissed newly imposed US sanctions against him, stating they have no impact on him. This comes as Burhan takes personal control of military operations from Omdurman amid the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“I haven’t even bothered to read the U.S. decision,” Burhan told reporters on Saturday. I do not have a foreign bank account or real estate, and even my local account in the Omdurman National Bank is limited to receiving my salary like any officer in the armed forces,” he added, referring to Washington’s decision to freeze his assets.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Burhan last Thursday, accusing him of obstructing peace negotiations and overseeing tactics that have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The US cited indiscriminate bombings, attacks on civilian targets like schools and hospitals, and extrajudicial killings as reasons for the sanctions.
Al-Burhan vowed not to allow the victories of the Sudanese people to be hijacked and asserted that the forces supporting the army would not seize power after the war, reiterating the army’s neutrality towards political parties.
He added, “There is no place for the Rapid Support Forces militia and those who support them in the country’s future. Our option is to liberate the land and expel them with their political supporters forever. Victory is near”.
“Our goal is to liberate our land and permanently expel the RSF and their political backers,” Burhan stated, adding that “victory is close.”
He also expressed support for a youth-led initiative, spearheaded by his deputy Yasir al-Atta, aimed at bypassing traditional political parties in the post-war period. Burhan claims that Sudan is facing a conspiracy orchestrated by foreign-influenced political forces.
Addressing allegations of civilian casualties in Al Jazirah state, Burhan said that local residents assured him there were no issues in the area. He criticized the opposition Coordination of Civil and Democratic Forces (Tagadum) for accusing the army of killing civilians after retaking Wad Madani, the state capital.
Meanwhile, Al-Atta confirmed that al-Burhan assumed direct command of military operations upon arriving in Omdurman two days ago. He cited significant gains made by the army in Khartoum Bahri. Sources indicate the army has solidified its control over central Khartoum Bahri and is making progress in breaking the RSF siege on the Signal Corps.