Biden signed an executive order on Thursday that broadens authority to impose sanctions on those responsible for “threatening the peace, security, and stability of Sudan” and “undermining Sudan’s democratic transition”, according to French news agency AFP.

“The violence taking place in Sudan is a tragedy — and it is a betrayal of the Sudanese people’s clear demand for civilian government and a transition to democracy. It must end,” Biden said.

Meanwhile, South Sudan Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Dau Deng said on Friday that sanctions are not an option to resolve the conflict, but emphasized on engaging the warring sides.

Dau said President Salva Kiir is in constant telephone conversation with President al-Burhan and General Dagalo to honor the truce they agreed.

“Punishment is sometimes very distracting. What is important is proactive engagement and persuasion of the parties to come to the table,” he said in an interview with the BBC.

“Our approach as IGAD and African Union is to let these particular generals realize that it is their responsibility as the two generals who started the war to stop the war.”

“And of course beginning the war is just a very simple thing but stopping the war is very difficult. We have realized this in our own context in South Sudan before.”