US expands visa restriction to spoilers of Sudan’s framework agreement

December 7, 2022 (WASHINGTON) –  The U.S. State Department decided on Wednesday to expand the policy of restricting entry visas to include Sudanese seeking to spoil the framework agreement and democratic transition in the country.

Civilian and military leaders in Sudan signed a framework agreement to establish a civilian transitional government, but the deal faces opposition from supporters of the former regime,  anti-military groups and those who consider the deal detrimental to their interests.

Considering the fragility of the political situation, and in order to keep pressure on all the parties to move forward and achieve the second phase of the process, Washington decided to expand the visa restriction as a measure to demonstrate their continued support for the pro-democracy forces.

In a statement released on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that his administration will hold to account the “Spoilers – whether military or political actors – who attempt to undermine or delay democratic progress”.

He added that this measure will “cover any current or former Sudanese officials or other individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic transition in Sudan, including through suppressing human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the immediate family members of such persons”.

The Islamic Movement of the former regime issued a statement rejecting the agreement and vowed to defend the identity of Sudan and the references of its constitution, derived from Islamic law.

Also, two Darfur former rebel groups slammed the deal saying it goes against the Juba peace agreement saying that its review without their consent means a return to war.

The framework agreement provides for separation between state and religion and to review the Juba peace agreement.

U.S. Department Spokesperson Ned Prince told reporters on Wednesday that his administration is determined to support this “credible path to a final agreement” on forming a civilian government that would take Sudan out of its current political crisis.

“Now more than ever, all political stakeholders and civil society actors must put Sudan’s national interest above narrow personal and party ends,” he further stressed.

On August 13, 2020, the State Department imposed visa restrictions on Sudanese who are believed to be responsible for or complicit in or to have engaged, directly or indirectly, in undermining Sudan’s civilian-led transitional government.

(ST)