The United States has imposed sanctions on five individuals and entities over their alleged roles in fueling Sudan’s ongoing civil war, as the conflict enters its fourth year with devastating humanitarian consequences.
In a statement released Friday, the U.S. State Department said the measures target those accused of stoking violence and prolonging a war that has been described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
“The Trump Administration is imposing sanctions on five individuals and entities responsible for stoking this conflict,” said deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
The sanctions come amid growing international concern over the scale of destruction and displacement caused by the conflict in Sudan, where fighting between rival military factions has continued largely unabated since April 2023.
The war pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in a power struggle rooted in disagreements over the integration of the RSF into the national army.
According to U.S. officials, the conflict has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced over 14 million others, creating a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented scale in the region. Large parts of the country are facing severe food shortages, with famine conditions looming in some areas.
Pigott reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in Sudan, noting that the U.S. has provided substantial humanitarian assistance in recent months. He disclosed that $20 million in emergency food aid was delivered in March, while an additional $200 million was pledged during a U.S.-hosted Sudan Humanitarian Fund Call to Action in February.
“The Trump Administration remains committed to a lasting peace in Sudan,” he said, emphasizing the need for urgent international intervention to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
As part of its diplomatic push, the United States called on both the SAF and RSF to agree to an immediate three-month humanitarian ceasefire without preconditions. Officials said such a truce would allow aid agencies to reach vulnerable populations, ensure civilian protection, and create a pathway for broader peace negotiations.
“The United States calls on both the SAF and RSF to accept an immediate three-month humanitarian truce,” Pigott said, adding that it would “enable critical humanitarian aid to reach those in need, protect civilians, and create space for negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire.”
The State Department also warned that the prolonged conflict is creating opportunities for extremist groups to expand their influence, posing risks not only to Sudan but also to regional stability and U.S. interests.
“The conflict creates opportunities for terrorist groups that threaten U.S. interests and regional security,” the statement noted.
Washington signaled that it is prepared to take further action against individuals and groups deemed responsible for perpetuating the violence. “The United States will continue to escalate actions against those who fuel conflict in Sudan,” Pigott warned.
Since the outbreak of fighting in 2023, multiple ceasefire attempts have failed, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Efforts by regional and international mediators have so far struggled to secure a lasting peace agreement.
The humanitarian toll has continued to mount, with millions forced to flee their homes and seek refuge either within Sudan or in neighboring countries. Aid organizations have repeatedly raised alarm over limited access to affected areas, as insecurity and logistical challenges hinder relief operations.
Observers say the latest sanctions reflect increasing frustration within the international community over the lack of progress toward a political resolution. They also highlight the growing use of targeted economic measures as a tool to pressure warring parties and their backers.
While it remains unclear how effective the sanctions will be in altering the behavior of those involved, analysts believe they send a strong signal of accountability and reinforce global calls for an end to the conflict.
As Sudan’s crisis deepens, attention is now focused on whether renewed diplomatic efforts, combined with economic pressure and humanitarian support, can help bring the warring factions to the negotiating table and pave the way for a sustainable peace.
