OFAC sanctions Sudan Central Reserve Police for violent response to peace protests

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘OFAC’) says that it has designated the Republic of the Sudan Central Reserve Police (‘CRP’) for serious human rights abuses.

OFAC described CRP as a ‘militarized Sudanese police unit that has been at the forefront of the Sudanese security forces’ violent response to peaceful protests in Khartoum. On January 17, 2022, the CRP and the anti-riot police led a deployment of Sudanese security forces to suppress demonstrations across Khartoum. Using live ammunition, CRP officers fired on protesters throughout the day outside of the University of Khartoum’s Faculty of Medicine. One protester was shot and died later from his wounds. When protesters fled the scene, CRP, anti-riot police, and regular police chased them, arresting and beating some with batons and gun butts. By the end of the day, CRP officers fatally shot another protester near al-Jawda hospital, and injured others.’

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson said the CRP had used ‘excessive force against pro-democracy protesters peacefully demonstrating against the military-led overthrow of the civilian-led transitional government in Sudan.’

‘Since the October 25 military takeover, Sudan’s Central Reserve Police has used excessive force and violence intended to silence civilian activists and protesters. We condemn Sudan’s security services for killing, harassing, and intimidating Sudanese citizens. These actions are exacerbating the crisis in Sudan and are a direct contradiction to the Sudanese security services’ stated commitment to participate constructively in a facilitated process to resolve Sudan’s political crisis and return to a democratic transition,’ he said.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220321