The United States has sanctioned the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, accusing Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of destabilizing the war-torn Northeast African nation and undermining peace efforts.

The United States on Tuesday night announced sanctions against Sudanese paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, also known as Hemedti. Washington accuses the head of the Rapid Support Forces, of committing genocide in Sudan.

In a brief statement, the US treasury department accused Gen Burhan of "destabilizing Sudan and undermining the goal of a democratic transition". The announcement follows reports of the killing of civilians in the central city of Wad Madani in recent days,