The United States has officially accused the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing genocide and imposed sanctions on its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The announcement, made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, marks a significant escalation in Washington’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Genocide Allegations
Blinken stated that the RSF and allied militias have engaged in systematic atrocities during the 20-month conflict, including the murder of civilians—men, boys, and infants—and the use of sexual violence against women on ethnic grounds. The RSF has also been accused of targeting fleeing civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
"Members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan," Blinken declared.
The RSF denied the allegations, accusing the US of double standards and a failure to address the root causes of the Sudanese crisis effectively. El-Basha Tbaeq, an adviser to Hemedti, suggested that the US actions might hinder negotiations and complicate the crisis.
Sanctions and Consequences
The sanctions target Hemedti, his immediate family, and seven RSF-linked companies, along with another individual accused of aiding RSF’s arms procurement. The sanctions block their assets in the US and bar them from entry.
Although Hemedti is not known to hold US assets, the sanctions aim to undermine the RSF’s economic and logistical capabilities by discouraging regional backers from supporting or doing business with the group.
The UAE, previously accused of funding and arming the RSF, denied involvement.
Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has plunged Sudan into one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. An estimated 150,000 people have been killed, and famine has been declared in several regions. Approximately half the population—24.6 million people—requires urgent food aid.
The US has criticized both the RSF and the Sudanese military for their roles in the violence and declared that neither is fit to govern the country.
Implications and Challenges
The designation of genocide and the imposition of sanctions reflect the US’s intention to isolate the RSF internationally and increase pressure on its regional supporters. While the actions may not immediately alter the dynamics on the ground, they could:
Pressure countries like the UAE to distance themselves from the RSF.
Complicate any administration the RSF seeks to establish in territories it controls.
Set the stage for renewed ceasefire talks, especially as the Sudanese army recently expressed openness to Turkish mediation.
However, the effectiveness of these measures in curbing violence and advancing peace remains uncertain, given the entrenched positions of both sides and the scale of the conflict.
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