The US government has formally accused Sudan's Rapid Support Forces of genocide, targeting their leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo with sanctions as the humanitarian situation worsens.
US Labels Sudan's RSF as Genocidal Entity, Enacts Sanctions on Leader
US Labels Sudan's RSF as Genocidal Entity, Enacts Sanctions on Leader
US Secretary of State condemns RSF and labels actions as systematic ethnic atrocities
The US has escalated its stance against the Sudanese paramilitary organization, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), declaring it responsible for genocide amidst ongoing turmoil in the nation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the actions of the RSF and its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, citing extensive evidence of "systematic" atrocities against the Sudanese populace throughout the 20-month conflict.
In an alarming declaration, Blinken stated that the RSF, along with affiliated militias, is behind the harrowing killings of men, boys, and even infants, as well as egregious sexual violence directed at women based on ethnic identity. He emphasized that flight from violence resulted in further civilian killings. "With this information in hand, I ascertain that the RSF and its allied militias have committed acts of genocide in Sudan," he asserted.
In reaction to the sanctions, the RSF dismissed the US accusations, claiming hypocrisy in handling the crisis. El-Basha Tbaeq, an adviser to Dagalo, characterized the US's latest moves as reflective of the Biden administration's inability to manage the Sudan situation effectively, warning that such actions could exacerbate the crisis and stall negotiations addressing the underlying conflicts.
The RSF has been engaged in severe conflicts with the Sudanese military since April 2023. Increasing concerns over both factions' violent conducts have led to significant international outrage. According to a report by US special envoy Tom Perriello, casualties from the conflict may reach up to 150,000. The country is facing dire humanitarian challenges, with famine conditions reported in multiple regions. Estimates suggest that around half of Sudan's population—24.6 million people—are in critical need of food assistance.
Blinken further declared that neither the RSF nor the Sudanese military should hold power in a future democratic Sudan, as both parties share culpability for the ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
The sanctions imposed on Hemedti restrict him and his close family from entering the US and freeze their US assets. The measures also extend to seven RSF-linked companies based in the UAE and another individual tied to arms procurement for the paramilitary faction.
For further insights on the Sudan conflict and related humanitarian impact, stay tuned for updates from our correspondents.
In an alarming declaration, Blinken stated that the RSF, along with affiliated militias, is behind the harrowing killings of men, boys, and even infants, as well as egregious sexual violence directed at women based on ethnic identity. He emphasized that flight from violence resulted in further civilian killings. "With this information in hand, I ascertain that the RSF and its allied militias have committed acts of genocide in Sudan," he asserted.
In reaction to the sanctions, the RSF dismissed the US accusations, claiming hypocrisy in handling the crisis. El-Basha Tbaeq, an adviser to Dagalo, characterized the US's latest moves as reflective of the Biden administration's inability to manage the Sudan situation effectively, warning that such actions could exacerbate the crisis and stall negotiations addressing the underlying conflicts.
The RSF has been engaged in severe conflicts with the Sudanese military since April 2023. Increasing concerns over both factions' violent conducts have led to significant international outrage. According to a report by US special envoy Tom Perriello, casualties from the conflict may reach up to 150,000. The country is facing dire humanitarian challenges, with famine conditions reported in multiple regions. Estimates suggest that around half of Sudan's population—24.6 million people—are in critical need of food assistance.
Blinken further declared that neither the RSF nor the Sudanese military should hold power in a future democratic Sudan, as both parties share culpability for the ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
The sanctions imposed on Hemedti restrict him and his close family from entering the US and freeze their US assets. The measures also extend to seven RSF-linked companies based in the UAE and another individual tied to arms procurement for the paramilitary faction.
For further insights on the Sudan conflict and related humanitarian impact, stay tuned for updates from our correspondents.
