US sanctions Sudan’s conflict force for commiting genocide

The United States has announced sanction against the Rapid Support Force (RSF) leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, known as Hemedti, for playing role in systematic atrocities committed against the Sudanese people.

Secretary of State, Antony Blinken who made this known in a statement released on Tuesday said United States also sanctioning seven RSF-owned companies located in the United Arab Emirates and one individual for their roles in procuring weapons for this force.

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
The conflict has led to 638,000 Sudanese experiencing the worst famine in Sudan’s recent history, over 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and tens of thousands dead. 

Blinken revealed that in December 2023, the United States concluded that members of the SAF and the RSF had committed war crimes and also determined that the RSF members and allied Arab militias committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. 

According to him, “The RSF 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 ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence. 
“Those same militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent escaping 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.

He reiterated that the United States is committed to holding accountable those responsible for these atrocities. “We are today sanctioning RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, known as Hemedti, for his role in systematic atrocities committed against the Sudanese people. 

“We are also sanctioning seven RSF-owned companies located in United Arab Emirates and one individual for their roles in procuring weapons for the RSF. 
“In addition, we are today announcing Hemedti’s designation under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross violations of human rights in Darfur, namely 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”. 

He pressed further that 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.  
The Secretary said the action is part of US 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. 

“Both belligerents bear responsibility for the violence and suffering in Sudan and lack the legitimacy to govern a future peaceful Sudan.  The United States 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 Dec I announced that the United States will provide $30 million to support Sudanese civil society actors”, Blinken said.