U.S. sanctions three Sudanese companies for funding conflict

January 31, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – The United States has imposed sanctions on three Sudanese entities for their role in funding the ongoing conflict in the country.

The entities, Alkhaleej Bank Co Ltd, Zadna International Co for Development Ltd, and Al-Fakher Advanced Works Co. Ltd., have been designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for their financial support of warring parties in Sudan.

Alkhaleej Bank, is controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a military group involved in the conflict.RSF, is alleged to have received $50 million from the Central Bank of Sudan shortly before the current conflict began.

Zadna, a subsidiary of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), is accused of being used to fund SAF operations and shielding the military from civilian oversight.

Al-Fakher, a holding company established by RSF leadership, is reported to have used gold exports to finance weapon purchases.

These sanctions are intended to disrupt the financial networks that support the conflict in Sudan and pressure the RSF and SAF to cease hostilities and engage in a peaceful political transition. The sanctions will freeze all property and interests in property of the designated entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons.

The U.S. government has been a vocal critic of the violence in Sudan and has urged the country’s leaders to reach a political settlement. The sanctions are the latest in a series of measures taken by the U.S. to pressure the parties involved in the conflict.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has a long history of sanctioning Sudanese entities and individuals for their role in undermining peace and stability in the country. In recent years, OFAC has imposed sanctions on a number of entities associated with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including:

June 1, 2023: OFAC designated four companies that generated revenue from, and contributed to, the conflict in Sudan. The entities designated were: Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd and Tradive General Trading L.L.C. for the RSF while the  Defense Industries System and Sudan Master Technology belong to the Sudanese army.

On September 6, 2023, the United States imposed sanctions on the RSF deputy commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Daglo for acts of violence and human rights abuses committed by his troops in their monthslong conflict with Sudan’s army.

On September 28, the U.S.OFAC targeted Ali Karti of the Sudanese Islamic Movement and two companies: GSK Advance Company Ltd and Aviatrade LLC for their role in undermining the peace, security, and stability of Sudan.

(ST)