The United States government has announced fresh sanctions targeting two key Sudanese Islamist actors—Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade (BBMB)—accusing them of worsening Sudan’s ongoing crisis.
In a statement released over the weekend, the US State Department revealed that both parties played major roles in escalating the conflict, undermining peace efforts, and obstructing Sudan’s fragile democratic transition.
The US Treasury Department confirmed the sanctions under an Executive Order against “Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition.” According to officials, this move is designed to reduce Islamist influence in Sudan while also limiting Iran’s regional activities that have fueled violence and instability.
Background of Islamist Involvement in Sudan
Sudanese Islamists have long been accused of undermining peace efforts in the country. During the 30-year rule of former President Omar al-Bashir, Islamist groups held significant power and influence, often blocking reforms and stifling democratic processes.
The United States noted that Islamists also played a key role in derailing the civilian-led transitional government and sabotaging the Framework Political Agreement, which was designed to guide Sudan toward democracy.
These actions, according to Washington, directly contributed to the outbreak of heavy fighting in April 2023, when clashes erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Support from Iran
The US further accused Sudanese hardline Islamists of receiving technical and military support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), strengthening their ability to resist peace negotiations and prolong the war.
America’s Position on Sudan
The Biden administration reiterated its stance, stressing that it would continue working with regional partners such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to push for a sustainable peace process.
The US also vowed to ensure that Islamist actors “never regain power in Sudan” and pledged to use every available tool to support the Sudanese people’s demand for democracy and stability.
This decision comes just a day after the announcement of a new one-year peace plan crafted by the US and its allies, which seeks to halt hostilities and create a roadmap for Sudan’s recovery.
