Bush administration mulls additional sanctions on Sudan

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2004 (MENL/MENA report) — The Bush administration has been examining the prospect of imposing additional U.S. sanctions on Sudan or its leadership.

Administration officials said the sanctions were being considered amid a determination by the United States that the Khartoum regime had failed to restrain a government-supported militia from committing atrocities in the western province of Darfour. They said the new sanctions could reverse Washington’s effort to improve relations with Khartoum.

“As you know, we already have significant sanctions on Sudan,” a State Department official said. “In addition, we are considering targeted sanctions, such as visa restrictions and financial sanctions against individuals.”

Based on reports from non-governmental organizations the following individuals are considered by the State Department as leaders of the Jingaweit: Musa Hilal, Jingaweit Coordinator; Hamid Dawai, Jingaweit leader; Abdullah abu Shineibat, Jingaweit leader; Omar Babbush, Jingaweit leader; Omada Saef, Jingaweit leader; Ahmad Dekheir, Jingaweit leader; Ahmed Abu Kamasha, Jingaweit leader.

Sudan has been on the State Department list of terrorist sponsors for more than a decade. Sanctions that stem from such a designation include a ban on weapons sales and certain dual-use technologies.