U.S. sanctions Sudanese police for serious human rights abuse

March 21, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The U.S. Treasury on Monday added Sudan Central Reserves Police (CRP) to its list of sanctioned entities on Monday, for serious human rights abuse.

The CRP, which the protesters also call Abu Tira, is one of the security forces that used excessive force against the anti-coup protesters after the coup of October 25, 2021.

“We condemn Sudan’s security services for killing, harassing, and intimidating Sudanese citizens. These actions are exacerbating the crisis in Sudan and are a direct contradiction to the Sudanese security services’ stated commitment to participate constructively in a facilitated process to resolve Sudan’s political crisis and return to a democratic transition,” said Brian E. Nelson Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.

The Sudanese government joint forces killed 88 people during the demonstrations against the military coup led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

In line with the sanctions, “all property and interests in property of the CRP that are in or come within the United States, or that are in the possession or control of U.S. persons, are blocked and must be reported to OFAC”.

Also, the designation prohibits all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of CRP.

This is the first time that the U.S. sanctions a Sudanese entity after the collapse of the isolated al-Bashir regime.

The U.S. administration did not inflict similar sanctions against the Rapid Support Forces that accused of grave human rights violations, crime against humanity and war crimes.

Recently, they stopped taking part in the anti-protest forces deployed in the capital.

In addition, the decision avoids imposing targeted sanctions against the Sudanese military leaders who imposed the state of emergency and ensured immunity for the use of excessive force.

(ST)