By Tiffany Williams –
The United States moved Friday to hit key Sudanese Islamist figures with sanctions in a bid to curb chaos and curb Iranian influence in the region. The Treasury Department targeted Gebreil Ibrahim Mohamed Fediel and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade under Executive Order 14098, citing their role in Sudan’s ongoing conflict and efforts to derail the country’s democratic transition.
Sudanese Islamists have a long history of destabilizing the country, particularly under former President Omar al-Bashir’s three-decade rule. In recent years, they’ve obstructed the civilian-led transitional government and the Framework Political Agreement, helping spark the April 2023 clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Officials say the hardline Islamists continue to block ceasefire efforts and maintain ties with Iran, including technical support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The sanctions are aimed at holding these actors accountable while signaling that the U.S. will work with regional partners to prevent Sudan from becoming a haven for forces that threaten American interests. The Treasury noted that under E.O. 14098, penalties apply not only to those directly involved in destabilizing actions, but also to leaders and executives of entities tied to such activities.
U.S. officials said the move underscores a commitment to peace and stability in Sudan and to preventing the return of malign Islamist forces to power, sending a clear message that the country’s path to democracy will not be allowed to falter.