Biden expands ability to sanction in response to violence in Sudan

President Biden on Thursday called for an end to the violence among warring factions in Sudan and expanded his administration’s ability to sanction individuals who undermine peace and stability in the war-torn nation.

“The violence taking place in Sudan is a tragedy — and it is a betrayal of the Sudanese people’s clear demand for civilian government and a transition to democracy,” Biden said in a statement. 

“I join the peace-loving people of Sudan and leaders around the world in calling for a durable cease-fire between the belligerent parties,” he continued. “This violence, which has already stolen the lives of hundreds of civilians and began during the holy month of Ramadan, is unconscionable. It must end.”

Biden issued an executive order that expands the United States’ ability to sanction individuals or groups that are responsible for threatening security and peace in Sudan, as well as those who undermine a civilian democratic government or commit human rights abuses.

“The Sudanese people suffered 30 years under an authoritarian regime — but they never gave up on their commitment to democracy or their hope for a better future,” Biden said. “Their dedication brought down a dictator, only to endure a military takeover in October 2021, and now more violence among factions fighting for control.”

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John Kirby, a White House spokesperson on national security issues, told reporters the administration did not have any specific sanctions to announce on Tuesday. Biden’s order would authorize the Treasury Department to look at potential sanctions “and see what’s appropriate,” he added.

Fighting among warring generals in Sudan over the last several weeks has left hundreds dead and sent thousands fleeing the country.

The U.S. late last month conducted an airlift to evacuate staffers at the U.S. Embassy in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum. Thousands of U.S. citizens remain in the country, however.

Last week, U.S. drones provided cover for a bus convoy carrying hundreds of Americans to Port Sudan, where they could be evacuated from the country.

“Our diplomatic efforts to urge all parties to end the military conflict and allow unhindered humanitarian access continue, as do our efforts to assist those remaining Americans, including by providing them information on exit options,” Biden said Thursday.

Updated at 1:31 p.m.