U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the declaration on January 7, 2024, as Sudan continues to grapple with a conflict that has plunged the country into one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
"Based on overwhelming evidence, I have concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan," Blinken stated, citing systematic attacks targeting ethnic groups. The acts include mass murders, rape, and the deliberate prevention of civilians from accessing essential supplies.
The RSF, a paramilitary force led by Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, along with allied militias, has been accused of ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
What began as a power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has had catastrophic consequences for civilians. Over 30 million Sudanese require humanitarian aid, with tens of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands facing famine.
The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Hemedti and seven RSF-affiliated companies based in the United Arab Emirates, citing their roles in acquiring weapons for the RSF.
Additionally, Hemedti has been designated under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross human rights violations, including the mass rape of civilians in Darfur. This designation bars Hemedti and his immediate family from entering the United States.
'Hemedti has wantonly ignored international humanitarian law and commitments made in the 2023 Jeddah Declaration and the 2024 Code of Conduct,' Blinken said, referencing agreements aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid.
Despite the accords, the RSF has continued to commit war crimes under Hemedti's leadership, including sexual violence and attacks on fleeing civilians.
'The United States does not support either side of this war,' Blinken emphasized, noting that both factions bear responsibility for the ongoing violence and lack the legitimacy to govern Sudan's future.
In addition to sanctions, the U.S. has pledged $30 million to support Sudanese civil society actors working toward a peaceful and democratic future.
The toll of the conflict on Sudan is staggering. Since April 2023, millions have been displaced, with entire communities destroyed and left without access to basic necessities.
Blinken signalled the potential for further sanctions against RSF affiliates and other actors undermining peace in Sudan, stating: 'We will continue to evaluate additional measures to ensure accountability.'
Humanitarian groups have welcomed the U.S. measures but stress that more international coordination is urgently needed to address the crisis effectively.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/u-s-accuses-rsf-of-genocide-in-sudan-sanctions-its-leader-hemedti
