The United States has just declared the great conflict of Sudan as an act of Genocide.
In reflection to that, the U.S is sanctioning the leader of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, known as Hemedti, for his role in systematic atrocities committed against the Sudanese people.
This is according to an official statement from U.S Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.
From his statement, Washington is also sanctioning seven companies located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that are owned by the Rapid Support Forces and one individual for their roles in procuring weapons for the RSF.
On April 15, 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a conflict of unmitigated brutality that has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe, leaving 638,000 Sudanese experiencing the worst famine in Sudan’s recent history.
Over 30 million people in the country are in need of humanitarian assistance, and tens of thousands reported dead.
“In December 2023, I concluded that members of the SAF and the RSF had committed war crimes. I also determined that members of the RSF and allied Arab militias had committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing,” stated Anthony Blinken.
According to the U.S Secretary of State, the Rapid Support Forces and RSF-aligned militias have continued to direct attacks against civilians.
“The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys—even infants—on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence.”
He added that the same militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people who were trying to flee from the conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies.
“Based on this information, I have now concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan and the United States is committed to holding accountable those responsible for these atrocities.”
In addition, the United States has designated RSF kingpin Hemedti under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross violations of human rights in Darfur, namely the mass rape of civilians by RSF soldiers under his control.
As a result of this designation, Hemedti and his immediate family members are ineligible for entry to the United States.
Hemedti has wantonly ignored commitments under international humanitarian law, the 2023 “Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan,” and the 2024 Code of Conduct produced by the Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan initiative.
This code includes commitments to allow the unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief and prevent war crimes such as sexual violence, which the RSF and aligned militias under Hemedti’s leadership have committed.
“Today’s action is part of our continued efforts to promote accountability for all warring parties whose actions fuel this conflict. The United States does not support either side of this war, and these actions against Hemedti and the RSF do not signify support or favor for the SAF.”
According to the statement, both belligerents bear responsibility for the violence and suffering in Sudan and lack the legitimacy to govern a future peaceful Sudan.
The United States says it continues to evaluate additional actions to impose costs on those perpetuating the conflict and atrocities against the Sudanese people.
“We also continue to support the Sudanese people in achieving their aspirations for a peaceful, just, and inclusive democratic future, which is why in December I announced that the United States will provide USD 30 million to support Sudanese civil society actors.
The Department of the Treasury actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 14098, “Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition,” as amended.