The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan has reached the one-year mark with no end in sight, resulting in a grave breach of international peace and security and gross and systematic violations of human rights.
The scale of violence and human suffering is devastating. Millions continue to face acute shortages of food, water, electricity and access to medical care. There are widespread reports of sexual and gender-based violence, especially against women and girls in Darfur. We remain deeply concerned of these reports, and of reports of ethnic cleansing by the RSF in Darfur.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is introducing new sanctions measures under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to this ongoing conflict. Canada is imposing sanctions on six individuals and entities for directly or indirectly undermining peace, security and stability in Sudan. Those sanctioned are associated with the SAF or RSF, the main parties to the ongoing conflict.
The list of sanctioned individuals includes:
- Abdelrahim Hamdan DAGALO (also known as Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, Abdelrahim Dagalo, Abdul Rahim Dagalo, Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo Mousa)
- Ali KARTI (also known as Ali Ahmed Karti)
- Al Junaid Multi Activities Co. Ltd. (also known as AJMAC Multi Activities Company Ltd., AlGunade, AlJunaid, Algunade, Al Gunade and Al-Juneid)
- GSK Advance Company Ltd. (also known as GSK Advance, GSK Advance Co. Ltd., GSK for Advanced Business Co. Ltd)
- Defence Industries System (also known as Military Industry Corporation, Defense Industries Corporation and Defense Industry System)
- Zadna International Company for Investment Ltd. (also known as Zadna Company and Zadna International Investments)
These measures are consistent with similar actions taken by international partners, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Today's sanctions also build on Canada's current sanctions related to Sudan, imposed under the United Nations Act.
Canada and its partners continue to work to ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held to account. This includes Canada's support for the UN Human Rights Council's fact-finding mission established in October 2023 to investigate alleged human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan. Canada also welcomed the announcement in July 2023 that the International Criminal Court is investigating alleged violations of the Rome Statute arising from the current conflict as part of its pre-existing mandate in Darfur.
Canada remains firmly committed to the principles of human rights and to international humanitarian law. Canada is working closely with the international community and regional partners to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We will continue to stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Sudan and we are committed to supporting a return to a peaceful and civilian-led transition to democracy.
