Ali Karti: US Sanctions Entities And Individual Exacerbating Sudan’s Conflict

The US on Thursday imposed a fresh round of sanctions on two companies and one person it accused of exacerbating the ongoing instability in Sudan.

A war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces broke out in April over plans for a political transition and integration of the RSF into the army.

Thursday’s action targets those who have undercut efforts to find a solution in Sudan, said Brian Nelson, the Treasury Department’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.

Actors Undermining Sudan’s Efforts To Establish Democratic Governance

Since the Sudanese people ousted Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, various actors have taken steps to undermine the country’s efforts to establish civilian, democratic governance.

The Treasury said it targeted Ali Karti, the Minister of Foreign Affairs under Bashir, for exacerbating instability in Sudan as fighting has killed thousands and displaced millions.

Following the fall of the Bashir regime, Karti was selected as leader of the Sudanese Islamic Movement (SIM) and led efforts to derail the country’s progress toward a democratic transition.

Ali Karti’s Current Whereabouts Remain Unknown

Karti is a prominent figure among the loyalists of Bashir’s Islamist rule who have maneuvered to protect their interests and regained some leverage after a 2021 coup by the army and the RSF.

The Islamists have backed the army in its fight against the paramilitary group, with some, including former intelligence operatives, joining the army’s ranks.

Karti was in Sudan when the war broke out but his current whereabouts remain unclear. The SIM issued a statement saying sanctions imposed by the US were a “badge of honour”.

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Two RSF-Affiliated Companies Targeted

Also hit with sanctions were two RSF-affiliated companies the Treasury accused of generating revenue from, and contributing to, the conflict in Sudan.

Sudan-based GSK Advance Company worked with Aviatrade in Russia to arrange the procurement of parts and supplies for drones previously purchased by the RSF.

Thursday’s sanctions freezes any US assets of those targeted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. Those that engage in certain transactions with them also risk action.