...a Moslem country located in the Horn of Africa. It is noted for its affinity for rule by ex- or current generals, its holy men, and for the oppression of the native Afro population by its Arab conquerors. South Sudan, populated mostly by the natives, split off from Sudan proper, which left North and South Darfur to be oppressed by the guys with turbans...jointly expressed their rejection of the sanctions recently imposed by the U.S. administration on the Islamist leader, Ali Karti. Instead, they view these sanctions as a source of pride and honour.
On Thursday, the United States announced individual sanctions against Ali Karti, the Secretary-General of the Sudanese Islamic Movement, and two companies associated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Karti "led efforts to obstruct Sudan’s progress towards a full democratic transition. This included undermining the former civilian-led transitional government and the Framework Political Agreement process, which contributed to the outbreak of hostilities between the Sudanese army (SAF) and RSF on April 15, 2023."
In response, the Islamic Movement issued a statement declaring, "The decision of the U.S. Treasury Department is akin to a badge of honour for the Secretary-General of our movement. He has steadfastly dedicated himself and his resources as a jihadist in the name of God and the nation."
The statement added, "Karti has selflessly sacrificed and remains ready to do more for the stability of Sudan and the triumph of its armed forces."
Ali Karti and Islamist leaders are believed to have played a role in the coup d’état by Army Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on October 25, 2021. Additionally, they opposed the framework agreement aiming to restore civilian rule signed by political forces, army leadership, and RSF before the outbreak of the war last April.
The Islamic Movement emphasized that it comes as no surprise that the United States is making unjust decisions and positioning itself on the wrong side during a pivotal era in Sudan’s history.
During the Islamic regime’s 30-year rule under Omer al-Bashir, the United States designated Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism and imposed economic sanctions.
In a separate statement, the dissolved National Congress Party hailed the U.S. sanctions against Ali Karti as "a matter of national pride."