The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on Abdel Rahman Joma’a Barakallah for his role in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group implicated in violence against civilians in Sudan since April 2023. Barakallah led operations in West Darfur, where there have been credible claims of human rights abuses, including targeting civilians and ethnically motivated violence. This move aligns with the United Nations Security Council's recent designation of Barakallah and another RSF commander, Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed.
Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated, "Today’s action underscores our commitment to hold accountable those who seek to facilitate these horrific acts of violence against vulnerable civilian populations in Sudan." He emphasized the U.S.'s focus on ending the conflict and urged both sides to engage in peace talks.
In West Darfur, RSF and allied militias have reportedly committed acts such as targeted killings and looting. The RSF's activities have hindered humanitarian aid delivery amid broader conflict. President Biden has prioritized accountability for conflict-related sexual violence through a Presidential Memorandum signed on November 28, 2022.
Barakallah is identified as a Major General and Commander responsible for RSF operations in West Darfur. He is linked to planning violent campaigns and is implicated in the kidnapping and killing of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abbakar. Due to his involvement in human rights violations, he faces U.S. visa restrictions.
Sanctions under Executive Order 14098 target Barakallah as a leader within an entity threatening Sudan's peace or stability. Consequently, all property and interests related to him within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, requiring reporting to OFAC. Entities owned significantly by blocked persons are also affected unless authorized by OFAC licenses.
Financial institutions engaging with sanctioned entities risk facing sanctions themselves. Prohibitions extend to transactions involving funds or services benefiting designated individuals.
OFAC emphasizes that its sanctions aim not at punishment but at encouraging positive behavioral changes. Information on removal from OFAC lists can be found through their official resources.
For further details on today's designated individual, additional information is available online.
