US Accuses Sudan’s RSF of Genocide and Imposes Sanctions on Leader
The US has accused Sudan’s RSF of genocide, sanctioning leader Mohamed Dagalo, citing systematic atrocities against civilians. Secretary Blinken condemned the RSF’s actions amidst a brutal conflict resulting in a humanitarian crisis, famine, and high casualties. The RSF rebuked the US for double standards, asserting this would complicate crisis resolution efforts.
The United States government has accused the Sudanese paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), of committing genocide and has implemented sanctions against its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made these grave assertions, citing systematic atrocities that include the murder of civilians, including infants, and acts of severe sexual violence targeting women on an ethnic basis. He revealed that RSF forces also targeted fleeing civilians during the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over 20 months.
In reaction to the accusations and sanctions, the RSF dismissed the US claims as indicative of double standards, alleging that the Biden administration’s response to the Sudanese crisis has been ineffective. An adviser to Hemedti asserted that this decision would further complicate the crisis and impede negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. Since April 2023, the RSF has been embroiled in combat against the Sudanese military, with both parties facing allegations of committing atrocities that have contributed to a dire humanitarian situation in the region.
The conflict has escalated to such levels that estimates indicate the death toll may reach up to 150,000 individuals. Most alarmingly, famine has been proclaimed in multiple areas, with nearly half of the Sudanese population—approximately 24.6 million people—urgently requiring food assistance. With this context, Mr. Blinken further asserted that neither the RSF nor the Sudanese military possesses the legitimacy required to govern, emphasizing their shared responsibility for the ongoing violence and suffering within Sudan.
The sanctions imposed will prevent Hemedti and his immediate family from entering the United States and will block any personal assets they may have. Additionally, seven companies linked to the RSF based in the United Arab Emirates, as well as another individual, will be sanctioned for facilitating the group’s procurement of armaments.
The allegations against the RSF stem from its actions during an almost two-year-long conflict that has ravaged Sudan, leading to significant loss of life and a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. The RSF emerged as a dominant force in Sudan’s violent power struggle, participating in brutal campaigns primarily against civilian populations. This conflict has seen both the RSF and the Sudanese military accused of heinous crimes, underscoring the need for international intervention to address the situation. The humanitarian toll is staggering, prompting international bodies and governments to respond with sanctions and condemnations in hopes of promoting stability and peace in the region.
In summary, the United States has publicly denounced the RSF and sanctioned its leader for genocidal actions amidst a chaotic and destructive conflict in Sudan. The ongoing violence has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, highlighted by extreme levels of displacement and famine. Both the RSF and Sudanese military have been criticized for their failure to protect civilians and govern effectively. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, with calls for accountability and a return to peace ongoing.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
