WASHINGTON (Reuters] – The United States warned U.S.-based companies Monday of the increasing reputational risks associated with doing business with Sudan’s state-owned and military-controlled enterprises.

Ned Price, spokesperson at the State Department said that these risks were caused by, among other factors, recent actions of Sudan’s Sovereign Council as well as security forces operating under its command. He also spoke out against human rights abuses committed against protesters.

Protests have raged in the African nation since October’s military coup. Lawyers claim that dozens of political prisoners are still in prison.

Price explained that individuals and businesses operating in Sudan need to be extra vigilant regarding human rights concerns and aware of potential reputational hazards associated with conducting transactions and business activities with SOEs, military-controlled entities and companies.

He said that the advisory was issued in part by U.S. Departments of State, Treasury Commerce and Labor.