The parties to the conflict in Sudan have repeatedly broken agreed ceasefires. In order to put an end to the suffering, the USA is now increasing the pressure on those responsible.
The US has announced sanctions over the interrupted ceasefire in Sudan. The government army and the paramilitary units RSF would violate the negotiated ceasefire, the US government said. “The most important thing we can do here is to tighten the screws on these two groups and make it difficult for them to continue this conflict,” a US government official said.
The US government accuses both parties of “looting, occupation and attacks on civilian homes and infrastructure, use of airstrikes and artillery, attacks (…) and obstruction of humanitarian assistance and the restoration of basic services”. As a result, visa restrictions would be imposed on certain representatives of the government army, the RSF and supporters of former long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir.
In addition, economic measures would be imposed on certain companies related to both parties. According to the United States, these companies contribute to the supply of weapons to the conflict parties. One consequence of the economic sanctions against companies is that any assets of those affected are frozen in the USA – US citizens are prohibited from doing business with them. International business is also usually much more difficult.
“There is no military solution”
On May 20, both sides, mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia, agreed on a ceasefire so that humanitarian aid can be provided in the war zone. A control mechanism, supported by the USA and Saudi Arabia, among others, was set up to report violations of the ceasefire. The ceasefire was extended by five days on Monday. The RSF promised to stick to it.
At the same time, the group accused the armed forces of breaking the ceasefire. In recent days there have been repeated reports of shootings, airstrikes, bombings and looting by both sides. The government army had recently interrupted negotiations with the RSF on a ceasefire.
The US government said it was ready to take further measures and would continue to engage intensively with both parties. “There is no military solution,” it said. It is up to the conflicting parties to recognize this and to take measures for peace in good faith and for the good of the people.
Source: Stern
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