US sanctions three Sudanese figures with ties to al-Bashir

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three former Sudanese officials for their role in undermining peace, security and stability in Sudan.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three former Sudanese officials for their role in undermining peace, security and stability in Sudan.

The sanctions imposed by the Department of the Treasury block all property and entities owned by Taha Osman Ahmed al-Hussein, Salah Abdallah Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Etta Al-Moula Abbas that are in the U.S. They held senior government positions under former President Omar al-Bashir, who ruled the country for 30 years.

Gosh and Elmoula served as directors of the National Intelligence and Security Services under the al-Bashir regime, while Taha Osman Ahmed al-Hussein (Taha) served as a State Minister and Presidential Office Director to Omer al-Bashir, 

The sanctions are the latest the U.S. has imposed on Sudanese leaders and companies.

Taha played a pivotal role in managing the relationship between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and regional actors in order to advance the RSF’s warfighting efforts.  Gosh plotted to overthrow the civilian-led transitional government, while Elmoula worked to restore the al-Bashir regime to power.

“Treasury continues its efforts to identify and take action against individuals contributing to the instability in Sudan and undermining prospects for a peaceful resolution,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The United States will not tolerate the continuing exploitation of the Sudanese people by those who seek to extend and deepen the conflict.”

A war erupted on April 15 between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after weeks of friction between the two sides over a plan to integrate forces as part of a transition from military rule to civilian democracy. The U.S. statement said Washington was committed to promoting accountability for those responsible for atrocities in the Sudanese conflict.

A United Nations political mission in war-racked Sudan was terminated on Sunday after the UN Security Council voted to shut it down following a request from Sudanese authorities last month.

Last week UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed veteran Algerian diplomat Ramtane Lamamra as his personal envoy for Sudan. The Security Council resolution encourages all parties to cooperate with the envoy.

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