On January 16, 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on Sudan's army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, due to his preference for war over negotiations in the ongoing civil conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.

These sanctions were also a response to Al-Burhan's obstruction of humanitarian aid and his military's bombing of civilian facilities.

The sanctions followed similar measures taken against Burhan's rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), just a week earlier.

The RSF has been accused of committing genocide and engaging in violent looting campaigns, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Famine has been declared in five areas of Sudan due to rising starvation deaths amid the conflict, which has pushed half of the population into hunger.

Efforts by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to mediate peace negotiations have largely failed, with the Sudanese army rejecting multiple proposals, including attempts to improve humanitarian access.

The Sudanese army's military campaign has intensified, with recent territorial gains including the strategic city of Wad Madani, as they vow to retake the capital, Khartoum.

The U.S. Treasury Department accused Burhan's army of employing indiscriminate bombing tactics, targeting civilian infrastructure, schools, markets, and hospitals, as well as conducting extrajudicial executions.

The U.S. aims to disrupt the flow of arms into Sudan and hold combatants accountable for their actions against civilians.

In response to the sanctions, Sudan's foreign ministry criticized the U.S., claiming the sanctions reflect confusion and a lack of justice.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed regret that he could not end the conflict during his tenure, despite some progress in facilitating humanitarian aid.

The International Criminal Court is currently investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the ongoing conflict.