Let’s Try This Again: Another Shot at Sanctions in Sudan

By April Kent

On April 5, United Nations sanctions monitors reported that South Sudan violated the sanctions regime by failing to stop Darfur rebel group training in its territory. The panel of experts tasked by the United Nations to examine the existing sanctions regime in South Sudan last month recommended targeted sanctions on “high-level decision makers responsible for the actions and policies that threaten the peace, security and stability of the country.” As the conflict in the country continues, a new report from the United States-based Enough Project has proposed a “modernized” sanctions strategy against Sudan similar to that used by the United States to push Iran into serious negotiations. The report argues for easing sanctions which affect public health or education while tightening those on financial transactions by companies and individuals belonging to the National Congress Party, particularly the military and security services. Many view the report as offering renewed hope for peace in South Sudan.