US congressman calls on Trump to sanction human rights abusers in Sudan

US Congressman Eliot Engel, the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, called on Donald Trump to sanction "any individuals in Sudan who have been complicit in human rights abuses against protesters".

"This is a watershed moment in the history of Sudan, and we cannot stand by as pro-democracy activists are slaughtered by the remnants of a brutal dictatorship," Engel said in a statement.

Chairman @RepEliotEngel’s statement on violence against peaceful protestors in #Sudan. pic.twitter.com/zUsUOBBu3Z
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems (@HouseForeign) June 4, 2019

He said Sudan's military leaders must immediately end the violence against protesters and commit to establishing a civilian-led government.

Engel also called on Trump to "immediately appoint" a special envoy to Sudan.