Australia has imposed targeted sanctions and travel bans on four Sudanese individuals, including Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Commander and Transitional Sovereignty Council President Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as 'Hemedti'. The measures were announced by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in a statement published by the ministry on Thursday.
The sanctions were imposed due to the ongoing war in Sudan and human rights abuses committed by the RSF and SAF. Wong stated that the two groups have committed serious human rights violations, including attacks on civilians, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and extrajudicial killings. The sanctions build on previous measures imposed by Australia on 13 individuals under the United Nations Security Council's Sudan sanctions framework.
The four individuals on the sanctions list, in addition to El Burhan and Hemedti, are Al-Tijani Al-Tahir Karshoum, the RSF-aligned de facto governor of West Darfur, and RSF field commander Hussein Barsham. They face financial sanctions and travel bans. Under the new measures, dealing with the assets of listed individuals or the El Baraa Bin Malik Brigade without ministerial authorisation is a criminal offence.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people killed and more than 14 million displaced since the war began on 15 April 2023. Almost 34 million people, more than 70 per cent of Sudan's population, need humanitarian assistance. Australia has provided more than $67 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, supporting food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and protection services.
To ensure that sanctions do not obstruct relief efforts, Wong issued a humanitarian permit allowing specified aid activities that would otherwise be restricted under the sanctions framework. This move aims to balance the need to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable with the need to provide essential assistance to affected populations.
The sanctions also bar the four individuals from entering or remaining in Australia. The Australian government has taken a strong stance on holding those responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses accountable. Wong emphasised that those who commit such abuses must be held to account.
The situation in Sudan remains critical, with ongoing conflict and humanitarian needs. The international community continues to play a crucial role in providing assistance and support to those affected. Australia's sanctions and humanitarian aid efforts are part of a broader international response to the crisis.
Key points
- Australia imposes targeted sanctions on four Sudanese individuals, including SAF Commander Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
- The sanctions were imposed due to human rights abuses committed by the RSF and SAF in Sudan.
- Australia has provided more than $67 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, supporting essential services and assistance to affected populations.
