The United States on Thursday sanctioned former Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti and two companies for their roles in undermining that country’s peace, security and stability.
Karti served in the government of ousted President Omar Al-Bashir.
The GSK Advance Company Ltd (GSK), a Sudan-based information technology and security company run by influential members of Sudanese security forces and the Russia-based military company Aviatrade LLC, are being designated for actions that threaten the stability of Sudan.
“Today’s action holds accountable those who have undercut efforts to find a peaceful, democratic solution in Sudan,” said Under-Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson. “We will continue to target actors perpetuating this conflict for personal gain.”
According to the U.S. Treasury, these sanctioned entities have cooperated closely to facilitate the RSF’s operations, including the procurement of essential components, supplies, and training for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Additionally, they have supplied monitoring equipment crucial for the paramilitary force’s activities in the midst of the protracted hostilities.
These are the latest attempts by Washington to hold Islamist militants accountable for the war that erupted last April after Sudan’s military tried unsuccessfully to disband the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a democratic transition of power.
Sudan has been mired by fighting between the military and the Rapid Support Forces since April, in a conflict that has killed thousands and displaced more than 5.2 million, according to UN figures.
Several ceasefire deals brokered by Saudi Arabian and US mediators have failed to end the conflict.