US sanctions Sudanese paramilitary commander for violence in West Darfur

The United States has imposed sanctions on Abdel Rahman Juma Barakallah, a commander of Sudan's paramilitary forces, for his involvement in violence against civilians in West Darfur. The U.S. Treasury Department cited his role in human rights abuses and the killing of a local governor. These sanctions follow a recent U.N. Security Council decision to blacklist Barakallah and another paramilitary leader. The U.S. actions restrict Barakallah's access to U.S. properties and impose visa limitations. Since the conflict began in April 2023, over 20,000 people have died, and millions have been displaced. The situation has led to widespread disease and food insecurity in Sudan.