US accuses RSF of Sudan genocide and sanctions its leader
3 min readThe United States has accused the Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing genocide and has imposed sanctions on its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the sanctions on Tuesday, condemning Hemedti for his role in what he described as “systematic” atrocities against the Sudanese people during the 20-month conflict. The RSF, along with allied militias, has been responsible for brutal actions, including the murder of men, boys, and infants, as well as widespread sexual violence against women based on ethnic grounds. Blinken also stated that the militias targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people attempting to escape the violence.
Based on these reports, Blinken concluded that the RSF and its militias had committed genocide in Sudan. His statement comes amid escalating violence and suffering in the country, which has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023. The war has led to severe humanitarian conditions, with estimates suggesting that the conflict has resulted in up to 150,000 deaths. Famine has been declared in several parts of the country, and around 24.6 million people, nearly half of Sudan’s population, are in urgent need of food aid, according to humanitarian experts.
The RSF, in response to the US sanctions and accusations, rejected the allegations and accused the US of double standards in its handling of the crisis. Hemedti’s adviser, El-Basha Tbaeq, criticized the US for failing to address the root causes of the Sudanese conflict and argued that the sanctions would complicate efforts to resolve the crisis. Tbaeq suggested that the US’s approach could hinder negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and finding a peaceful solution. His comments highlight the growing tensions between the US and the RSF, with both sides accusing each other of exacerbating the conflict.
The RSF has been fighting against the Sudanese military since the conflict erupted in April 2023. Both parties have been accused of committing atrocities, contributing to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The war has displaced millions and left vast areas of the country in ruins. In addition to the destruction, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly, with famine and widespread hunger affecting the population. Experts have warned that the ongoing conflict risks destabilizing the entire region, and calls for international intervention to end the violence have grown louder.
Secretary Blinken has stated that neither the RSF nor the Sudanese military is fit to govern the country. He condemned both factions for their roles in the violence and suffering, asserting that they lack the legitimacy to lead Sudan in the future. Blinken’s remarks underline the dire situation in Sudan, where the power struggle between the RSF and the military has led to widespread destruction and loss of life.
The US sanctions imposed on Hemedti include travel bans for him and his immediate family members, blocking their ability to enter the US. Additionally, any personal assets Hemedti holds in the country are now frozen. The sanctions extend to seven RSF-owned companies based in the United Arab Emirates, as well as one individual, all of whom are accused of assisting the RSF in procuring weapons. These sanctions are part of a broader effort by the US to hold accountable those responsible for the atrocities committed during the conflict.
The accusations of genocide against the RSF are significant, as they highlight the scale of the violence and the international recognition of the atrocities taking place in Sudan. The US’s decision to impose sanctions on Hemedti is seen as a move to pressure the RSF leadership and weaken the group’s ability to continue its operations. However, the response from the RSF and its supporters suggests that the sanctions could further escalate the conflict and complicate any efforts to reach a peaceful resolution.
The situation in Sudan remains critical, with ongoing violence, displacement, and a growing humanitarian crisis. The US and international community continue to monitor the situation closely, with calls for stronger action to address the atrocities and support efforts toward peace. Despite the sanctions, the path to peace in Sudan remains uncertain, as both the RSF and Sudanese military maintain their control over large parts of the country, and efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have so far been unsuccessful.
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