International
Sudan’s ex-spy chief banned from the US
The former head of the Sudanese intelligence service, Salah Gosh, has been banned from entering the United States because of his alleged involvement in human rights violations.
In a statement, the US State Department said it had credible evidence that Mr Gosh was involved in torture when he was in charge of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
Members of his family have also been barred.
Omar al-Bashir, the country’s former president under whom Mr Gosh served, was ousted from power in April.
A Transitional Military Council then seized control.
In a tweet, the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, voiced his support for a civilian-led transitional government in Sudan.
Today I publicly designated Salah Gosh & his family members under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross violations of #HumanRights in #Sudan. Those designated are ineligible for entry into the U.S. We will continue to hold accountable those who violate human rights.
I join the Sudanese people in their call for a transitional government that is truly civilian led and is fundamentally different than the Bashir regime, especially as it relates to its human rights record and abuses implemented by Gosh and other officials.
The ruling military council and main opposition coalition signed a declaration about 10 days ago to pave the way for a three-year transition period in Sudan, with a final power-sharing deal to be signed this Saturday.
Source: BBC