US Imposes Sanctions on Sudanese Paramilitary Commander Over Human Rights Abuses

Washington, Nov 12 (Reuters) – The United States has imposed sanctions on Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla, a commander of Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), over his involvement in human rights violations in West Darfur.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Tuesday, accusing Barkalla of leading the RSF’s brutal campaign in the region. The department said the campaign was marked by credible reports of human rights abuses, including targeting civilians, sexual violence related to the conflict, and ethnic violence.

The move is part of the U.S. government’s growing pressure on Sudan in response to ongoing violence and instability in the country. The RSF has been heavily involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in significant humanitarian and civilian suffering.