.jpg)
The United States has announced visa restrictions against former Sudan regime officials for undermining peace, security and stability of the country.
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, action has also been taken against two entities.
One of the affected individuals is Ali Karti, secretary general of the Sudanese Islamic Movement, a hardline Islamist group that actively opposes Sudan’s democratic transition.
Karti previously served as a minister in former President Omar al-Bashir’s regime and is accused of opposing efforts to have the country return to civilian rule alongside other former officials.
“Following the fall of the al-Bashir regime, Karti led efforts to undermine the former civilian-led transitional government and derail the Framework Political Agreement process,” Blinken said.
“He and other former regime officials are now obstructing efforts to reach a ceasefire between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, mobilizing forces to enable continued fighting, and opposing Sudanese civilian efforts to resume Sudan’s stalled democratic transition.”
He added that the US will continue to hold to account those who undermine peace and a democratic transition in Sudan.
Blinken said the restrictions would extend to all individuals believed to be against the peace process.
“In addition, the Department of State has taken steps this week to impose visa restrictions on individuals believed to be responsible for or complicit in past and current efforts to undermine Sudan’s democratic transition.
“This includes Sudanese Islamists and officials of the former al-Bashir regime, as well as other individuals who are working to suppress human rights and fundamental freedoms or engage in other actions that undermine Sudan’s aspirations for democracy.”
Sudan has been in conflict since April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rival factions of the military government of Sudan.
The fighting is concentrated around the capital city of Khartoum and the Darfur region and has seen thousands flee for safety to neighbouring countries. BY THE STAR