Sudanese in Port Sudan denounce US sanctions against army chief: Video
Residents of Port Sudan have strongly criticised the United States for imposing sanctions on Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing the U.S. Treasury Department’s decision of being politically motivated and harmful to Sudan's sovereignty.
The sanctions were announced earlier this week by the U.S. Treasury, which claimed the Sudanese military had used civilians as targets, with attacks on schools, markets, hospitals, and food supplies during the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The U.S. Treasury specifically accused General Burhan's army of employing food deprivation as a weapon of war, and said that the army’s actions had resulted in widespread civilian suffering. This latest move came just a week after Washington imposed similar sanctions on the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, accusing his militia group of committing genocide.
The Sudanese government quickly condemned the U.S. decision. On Thursday, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement, calling the sanctions "flawed" and "unjustifiable." It further argued that such actions could not be defended under the guise of neutrality, asserting that the U.S. was, in effect, supporting those "committing genocide" against the Sudanese people. The army is accused of indiscriminately bombing civilian areas, while the RSF has been particularly blamed for ethnic cleansing, sexual violence, and the siege of entire towns.
Despite the international outcry, the mood in Port Sudan remains defiant.
Taj Nour, a local resident, told the AFP "These decisions make us stronger, more resilient, and firmer against our adversaries. The sanctions on Sudan have existed since 1983 and have only made it more steadfast and powerful," he said, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many in the city.
Ahmad Yaakoub, another resident, framed the U.S. sanctions as part of a larger political agenda."The decision is primarily a political one. When they saw the victories and the strength of the Sudanese army, they were surprised by it. They want to undermine the value and progress of the Sudanese army, but this will only increase our determination and strength."
Since the outbreak of civil war between Sudan’s army and the RSF in April 2023, the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced more than 12 million people, and caused widespread famine. Both sides have faced severe accusations of committing war crimes.
