In brief
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has declared that the RSF is responsible for systematic atrocities, including targeted killings and sexual violence, leading to a humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The RSF has rejected the accusations, citing US double standards.
The United States has made serious allegations against the Sudanese paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly referred to as Hemedti, of committing acts of genocide. In a statement made on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that Hemedti is facing sanctions due to his role in "systematic" atrocities occurring over a 20-month conflict that has ravaged Sudan.In his remarks, Blinken alleged that members of the RSF and their allied militias were responsible for a series of heinous acts, including the murder of civilians regardless of age, with reports of targeted killings involving "men and boys - even infants." He further described the shocking prevalence of sexual violence against women, committed on ethnic grounds, and noted that these militias have even targeted civilians attempting to escape the violence.In light of these findings, Blinken stated firmly, "I have now concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan." This declaration has drawn attention to the dire humanitarian situation on the ground, particularly in regions like Darfur, where conditions have led to widespread hunger and misery for the local population.Responding to these accusations, the RSF has claimed that the US is exhibiting double standards, arguing that the Biden administration has failed to adequately address the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Hemedti's aide, El-Basha Tbaeq, took to social media to express this sentiment, contending that the US's actions would complicate the situation further and hinder necessary negotiations to resolve the underlying issues fueling the conflict.Since the outbreak of fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese military in April 2023, both factions have faced severe criticism for their conduct, leading to what many now describe as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The conflict has reportedly claimed up to 150,000 lives, according to estimates provided by US officials like special envoy Tom Perriello.In a grim wake-up call, the crisis has resulted in famine being declared in various regions of Sudan, leaving around 24.6 million people—approximately half of the country's population—in urgent need of food aid. Blinken has emphasized that neither the RSF nor the Sudanese military possess the legitimacy to govern, stating, "Both belligerents bear responsibility for the violence and suffering in Sudan."As part of the sanctions, Hemedti, along with his immediate family members, will be barred from entering the US, and any personal assets in the country will be seized. Furthermore, several RSF-affiliated companies based in the United Arab Emirates, along with another individual, are being sanctioned for their role in supplying weapons to the group.The international community continues to watch closely as the situation in Sudan evolves, with calls for a resolution to the conflict and a return to stability in the region.
