US Declares Genocide by Sudan’s RSF, Imposes Sanctions on Leaders
The United States has declared that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces committed genocide against civilians, resulting in sanctions on RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This declaration follows extensive violence, causing tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. Humanitarian conditions are dire, with organizations struggling to deliver aid as the conflict continues.
The United States has officially declared that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their associated militias have committed acts of genocide in Sudan, as articulated by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He condemned the RSF for orchestrating attacks against civilians, systematically targeting men and boys based on ethnicity, and employing sexual violence against women and girls. In response, the US government has announced sanctions on RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, which include travel bans and asset freezes.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with over 11 million individuals displaced and tens of thousands killed in the violence that has lingered for the past 18 months. Studies have indicated that many deaths are attributed to conflict-related issues, such as illness and starvation, accentuating the dire conditions faced by the civilian population.
Moreover, international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have reported severe access issues to assist those suffering from malnutrition and preventable diseases amidst rampant shortages of essential supplies. Furthermore, the United Nations has called out countries supplying arms to both the RSF and the Sudanese military, stating such actions are exacerbating the violence. The US Treasury Department has also extended sanctions to include seven companies affiliated with the RSF in the United Arab Emirates.
The situation in Sudan has deteriorated dramatically since the onset of conflict between the Sudanese military and the RSF. This conflict has not only resulted in vast human rights violations but has also precipitated a humanitarian catastrophe, leading to widespread famine and disease. The RSF, which has a notorious history of violence and repression, has been repeatedly accused of targeting civilians. Furthermore, international scrutiny has increased regarding the arms trade fueling this violence, raising questions about the complicity of external nations and entities.
In summary, the US government’s determination that the RSF has committed genocide in Sudan highlights the severe humanitarian crisis arising from the ongoing conflict. The imposed sanctions are intended to hold perpetrators accountable while addressing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention. The international community continues to grapple with the implications of arms trading and the necessity of providing immediate assistance to the affected populations, emphasizing the global responsibility to curtail further atrocities.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
