US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have committed genocide during the ongoing civil war. This determination follows the confirmation of previous crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing by the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The US imposed sanctions against RSF leader Hemedti in response to these atrocities, reaffirming its neutral stance in the conflict while emphasizing the need for accountability.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States has determined the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have committed genocide during the ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023. This marks the second instance of genocide in Sudan within the past thirty years, following the tragic events in Darfur in the early 2000s. Blinken previously established that both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) engaged in crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing as the conflict escalated.
In his statement, Blinken outlined the RSF’s heinous actions, which included systematic attacks against civilians and targeted killings based on ethnicity. He detailed that men and boys, including infants, were murdered, and women and girls from specific ethnic groups were subjected to rape and other forms of severe sexual violence. Furthermore, he emphasized that fleeing civilians were also targeted, with many innocent individuals killed while trying to escape violence, as the RSF hindered access to essential supplies for those still in the conflict zones.
Based on this evidence, Blinken confirmed, “I have now concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan.” In response to these atrocities, the United States imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, also known as Hemedti, due to his involvement in the systematic violations against the Sudanese populace. These restrictions specifically address his responsibility for human rights abuses, particularly the mass rape of civilians perpetrated by RSF forces under his command.
Blinken clarified that the United States does not align with either side in the conflict, asserting, “Both belligerents bear responsibility for the violence and suffering in Sudan and lack the legitimacy to govern a future peaceful Sudan.” He further noted that the US continues to explore additional measures to hold accountable those responsible for the enduring conflict and the associated atrocities.
The determination by the United States regarding the actions of the RSF is rooted in a broader historical context of violence in Sudan. The civil war that began in April 2023 is a continuation of longstanding ethnic and political tensions within the country. The RSF, initially formed from militias involved in the Darfur conflict, has been implicated in significant human rights violations. This announcement also brings attention to Sudan’s history of genocidal acts, notably the earlier conflict in Darfur, which saw widespread atrocities committed against various ethnic groups. The international response, particularly from the United States, underscores the global concern regarding human rights and the need for accountability in regions experiencing such severe conflicts.
The US’s categorization of the actions of Sudan’s RSF as genocide reflects a serious commitment to addressing human rights violations in conflict zones. By imposing sanctions and restrictions on key figures such as Hemedti, the US aims to diminish the impunity surrounding these atrocities. Secretary Blinken’s statements reinforce the notion that both the RSF and SAF carry heavy burdens of accountability, which is crucial for paving the way towards a peaceful resolution in Sudan’s ongoing strife.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
