US Sanctions Sudanese Commander as UN Debates Civilian Protection

The U.S. targets a paramilitary leader for human rights abuses in Sudan, while the UN considers deploying a force to protect civilians amid escalating violence.

The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla, a commander of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), for alleged human rights abuses in West Darfur.
The UN Security Council is discussing a resolution demanding a ceasefire and humanitarian access in Sudan, amid ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF.
Human Rights Watch has called for an international force to protect civilians, citing RSF's violent rampage in the Gezira province, including killings and sexual violence.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has led to a massive displacement crisis, with nearly 25 million people in need of aid and 11 million displaced from their homes.
Egypt is struggling with the influx of 1.2 million Sudanese refugees, calling for urgent international assistance to manage the humanitarian burden.