US sanctions two ex-Sudanese intelligence chiefs over peace obstruction

WASHINGTON – The United States has initiated targeted sanctions against three key Sudanese figures, including two former heads of intelligence, citing their involvement in obstructing international efforts aimed at resolving Sudan’s persistent conflict.

In a move unveiled by the US Treasury Department’s Officer of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Salah Abdallah Gosh and Mohamed Atta Al-Moula, both former heads of the Sudanese National Intelligence & Security Service (NISS), alongside Taha Osman, a former aide to ex-president Omar al-Bashir, have been singled out for impeding peace initiatives.

Specifically, the sanctions highlight Salah Gosh’s history of advocating for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to depose Sudan’s civilian government. Gosh had openly expressed readiness to provide substantial support, including thousands of trained jihadist fighters, to aid in this endeavor, as disclosed by the US Treasury.

Addressing the rationale behind Gosh’s designation, the Treasury Department categorizes him as a foreign entity directly or indirectly engaged in actions that jeopardize Sudan’s peace, security, or stability. Gosh held his position until Al-Bashir’s overthrow in 2019.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Atta, previously appointed as Sudan’s ambassador to Washington during the concluding years of Al-Bashir’s rule, finds himself sanctioned for his affiliation with the Sudanese Islamic Movement (SIM).

The group is alleged to wield influence over the military administration and impede the transition to a civilian government. His designation, according to the Treasury, stems from SIM’s involvement in actions detrimental to Sudan’s peace and stability during his tenure within the movement.

Furthermore, Taha Osman, the former office director of Al-Bashir, is also named in the sanctions for actions or policies that undermine Sudan’s peace and stability, as outlined by the Treasury Department.

Brian Nelson, the US Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized the ongoing commitment to identify and act against individuals contributing to Sudan’s instability.

“Treasury continues its efforts to identify and take action against individuals contributing to the instability in Sudan and undermining prospects for a peaceful resolution,” Nelson said. “The United States will not tolerate the continuing exploitation of the Sudanese people by those who seek to extend and deepen the conflict.”

The US sanctions come about eight months following the outbreak of war between former allies, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), after more than a year since the coup against the civilian government of Abdallah Hamdok.

Despite an extensive US-Saudi initiative in Jeddah, both sides haven’t committed to any ceasefire. Thousands have been killed, and millions have been displaced to internal camps and neighboring countries.

Key figures from Omar al-Bashir’s previous regime stand accused of obstructing efforts to bring the conflicting parties to a permanent agreement that could end the deadly conflict, which has caused one of the worst refugee crises globally.