In brief
In a significant move, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has identified the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan as perpetrators of genocide, attributing systematic atrocities to the group's leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. In a statement, Blinken outlined horrific acts committed by the RSF, including the murder of civilians and widespread sexual violence targeting women based on ethnicity.
The RSF has responded by accusing the US of double standards regarding the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Hemedti's adviser pointed out that this decision reflects the Biden administration's failure to effectively engage with the conflict, potentially exacerbating the situation and obstructing necessary negotiations for peace. Since the outbreak of conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese military in April 2023, there have been alarming reports of atrocities from both factions, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis that has resulted in famine for millions. The US special envoy had previously estimated casualties could be as high as 150,000, with around 24.6 million people in dire need of food support.In conjunction with these allegations, sanctions have been enacted against Hemedti and his family, restricting travel to the US and freezing any of their assets within the country. Additional sanctions also target seven RSF-affiliated companies in the UAE, which are believed to be supporting the paramilitary forces with arms procurement.While confronting the tragic humanitarian consequences of the violence, Blinken emphasized that neither the RSF nor the Sudanese military is seen as possessing the legitimacy to govern or lead Sudan towards peace. The ongoing conflict has already produced one of the gravest humanitarian crises in the world, predominantly affecting women and children.
