Letter to Congressional Leaders on Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Madam President:)

Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order that expands the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13067 of November 3, 1997 (Blocking Sudanese Government Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Sudan), and expanded by Executive Order 13400 of April 26, 2006 (Blocking Property of Persons in Connection With the Conflict in Sudan's Darfur Region).

I find that the situation in Sudan, including the military's seizure of power in October 2021 and the outbreak of inter-service fighting in April 2023, constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.

It is the policy of the United States to support a transition to democracy and civilian transitional government in Sudan, to defend such a transitional government from those who would prevent its initial formation through violence and other methods, and, once formed, to protect it from those who would undermine it. The United States, in cooperation with like-minded partners, will help such a transitional government, when formed, meet the needs of the Sudanese people and prepare for democratic elections.

Through this Executive Order, I am imposing sanctions on persons determined to have engaged or attempted to engage in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Sudan; actions or policies that undermine the formation or operation of a civilian transitional government, Sudan's transition to democracy, or a future democratically elected government; actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Sudan; censorship or other actions or policies that limit the exercise of freedoms of expression, association, or peaceful assembly; corruption; serious human rights abuse; the targeting of women, children, or any other civilians; the obstruction of the activities of United Nations missions; and attacks against United Nations missions.

I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued.

Sincerely,

JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR.