On June 1, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced that Washington has imposed economic sanctions and visa restrictions on Sudan.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. (Source: Reuters) |
The move comes amid concerns over the protracted conflict and widespread suffering in the northeast African country as both sides fail to adhere to a ceasefire.
More than 1.2 million people have been displaced from their homes in the six weeks since the conflict began in Sudan, according to the United Nations (UN) humanitarian agency on May 31.
Previously, the US made many calls for all parties to restrain the conflict and comply with the ceasefire and warned that strong measures would be taken.
Speaking at a press conference after the two-day NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting on May 30-June 1 in Oslo (Norway), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: "We are considering steps we can take to make clear our position towards any leader who is taking Sudan in the wrong direction."
The US diplomat described the situation in Sudan as "extremely fragile".
Meanwhile, the US State Department affirmed: "Once the forces clearly demonstrate through their actions that they are serious about abiding by the ceasefire, the United States and Saudi Arabia are prepared to continue to facilitate the suspended discussions to find a negotiated solution to this conflict."
Sudan's army blew up paramilitary bases on May 31 after pulling out of ceasefire talks, accusing the paramilitaries of violating the truce to receive aid.
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