On June 20, 2023, the US Department of State’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Alfred Futuyo, the Governor of Western Equatoria province in South Sudan. The sanctions were imposed in response to his alleged involvement in widespread sexual violence against women and girls. This marks the first instance of the United States issuing sanctions specifically targeting conflict-related sexual violence.

Alfred Futuyo is affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army, an opposition group. He stands accused of orchestrating multiple attacks within his state, resulting in the abduction and gang rape of numerous civilians. Between April and August 2018, forces under Futuyo’s command carried out several assaults in Western Equatoria, resulting in the abduction of 887 individuals. At least 43 cases of rape or gang rape were reported during these incidents.

The designation of Alfred Futuyo falls under the purview of Executive Order 13664, which identifies individuals responsible for, complicit in, or directly or indirectly engaged in various actions in or related to South Sudan. These actions include targeting women, children, or civilians through acts of violence such as killing, maiming, torture, rape, or other forms of sexual violence. Additionally, the order encompasses activities such as abduction, forced displacement, attacks on schools, hospitals, religious sites, or places where civilians seek refuge, as well as conduct that constitutes a serious abuse or violation of human rights or a breach of international humanitarian law.