The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has just sanctioned Mirghani Idris Suleiman.
Idris was sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, for leading the Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) efforts to acquire weapons for use in its ongoing war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Information from the U.S Department of state says that Idris has been at the center of weapons deals that have fueled the brutality and scale of the war, serving as Director General of Defense Industries System (DIS), the SAF’s primary weapons production and procurement arm.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Director General of Defense Industries System on June 1, 2023, for being responsible for, or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Sudan.
Since the beginning of the war, the Sudanese Armed Forces has prioritized weapons acquisition, including Iranian drones and a port-for-weapons deal with Russia, choosing to expand the conflict rather than end it through good-faith negotiations.
The weapons and diplomatic support provided by Iran and Russia have emboldened the Sudanese Armed Forces and lessened their interest in de-escalating the conflict.
“Today’s action underscores the essential role that key individuals like Mirghani Idris Suleiman have played in procuring weapons, perpetuating violence, and prolonging the fighting in Sudan,” said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith.
“The United States is committed to disrupting the ability of both sides in this conflict to procure weapons and external financing that undermine the possibility of a peaceful resolution.”
SAF procurement leader
Mirghani Idris Suleiman is the head of OFAC-sanctioned DIS, the arm of the SAF primarily responsible for weapons procurement and production.
Idris began his career in the officer corps of the SAF, graduating alongside SAF Commander Burhan in the 31st graduating batch. He then served in Sudan’s intelligence service before being appointed to lead the DIS.
Since his appointment, Idris has served as the face of SAF procurement, heading several official delegations to potential suppliers.
Idris is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14098, for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the DIS, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14098.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.
In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.
Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.
In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action.
The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.
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