The Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy welcomes the decision of the Canadian government to impose additional sanctions on parties involved in the bloody conflict in Sudan. These sanctions, which target those responsible for the ongoing violence and grave human rights violations, represent a necessary step toward achieving justice and holding those accountable for the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Nearly two years after the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, Sudan remains in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. More than 12.5 million people have been displaced, including approximately 10 million internally displaced persons and over 3.4 million refugees in neighboring countries. Civilians, especially women and children, face horrific levels of violence and abuses, making decisive international intervention an urgent necessity.
In a press statement on March 5, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced that Canada has imposed new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act against seven individuals and three entities linked to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Among those sanctioned are Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Commander of the Rapid Support Forces, for their role in overseeing systematic and gross human rights violations, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. These measures also target individuals who orchestrated attacks against civilians, threatened and destabilized Sudan’s democratic transition, as well as entities involved in procurement and financial networks supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Those sanctioned include Al-Taher Mohamed Al-Awad Al-Amin, Commander of the Sudanese Air Force; Salah Abdullah Mohamed Salah Gosh, former Director of the National Intelligence and Security Service; Mohamed Atta Al-Moula Abbas, former Director of the National Intelligence and Security Service; Amir Massar Abdul Rahman Aseel; and Al-Tijani Al-Taher Karshom. The sanctions also extend to Sudan Master Technology, a company that manufactures weapons and vehicles for the Sudanese Armed Forces and manages its financing network, as well as Tradive General Trading LLC, a front company for the Rapid Support Forces, and Gulf Bank.
At the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy, we fully support all international efforts aimed at ending the conflict, including imposing sanctions on those who insist on prolonging the war and obstructing peaceful solutions. We also call on the international community to take further deterrent measures against human rights violators and to strengthen mediation efforts that include voices from civil society, women, and youth in Sudan.
Canada, through its firm stance, demonstrates its commitment to defending human rights and promoting peace. We urge other countries to follow suit by imposing punitive measures against those who are jeopardizing the future of the Sudanese people. Additionally, we emphasize the urgent need for a humanitarian response to support those affected and ensure unimpeded access to aid.
We at the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy commend the significant humanitarian role Canada is playing in supporting the Sudanese people during this crisis. In 2024, Canada allocated over $104 million in humanitarian aid to meet urgent needs in Sudan and neighboring countries. Canada also announced $31.5 million in development aid to support health, sexual and reproductive rights, and education in emergency programs in Sudan and neighboring countries, in addition to ongoing bilateral development projects. In November 2024, Canada pledged $2 million to support a civilian-led platform for engagement in Sudan’s political process to end the war. Furthermore, Canada committed $1.5 million to mitigate conflict-related violence against civilians by enhancing community crisis response capacities, alleviating conflict impact, and providing psychological and social support, particularly for women and girls in Darfur.
In conclusion, we affirm that achieving just and lasting peace in Sudan will only be possible through ending the war, holding perpetrators accountable, and empowering Sudanese people to determine their future with freedom and justice. At the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy, we remain committed to working with our local and international partners to support peace and democracy initiatives. We pledge to continue standing with the Sudanese people in their struggle for a Sudan founded on justice, freedom, and peace.
The Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy
March 9, 2025