U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the RSF has committed genocide in Sudan’s year-long civil war. This marks the second genocide in less than thirty years in Sudan, following the early 2000s Darfur genocide. The U.S. imposed sanctions on RSF leader Hemedti for systematic atrocities, emphasizing that both the RSF and SAF share responsibility for the ongoing violence.
The United States has formally recognized that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have engaged in acts of genocide during the ongoing civil war that has enveloped the nation for over a year. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated this assessment on Tuesday, adding that this marks the second occurrence of genocide in Sudan since the early 2000s, when similar atrocities were reported in Darfur. Aside from the genocide designation, Blinken highlighted that both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are implicated in numerous war crimes and grave human rights violations during the conflict that initiated in April 2023.
In his statement, Secretary Blinken outlined the nature of the RSF’s conduct, noting that they have executed targeted assaults against civilian populations, particularly perpetrating systematic killings of males and infants based solely on their ethnic identities. Additionally, there have been deliberate assaults against women and girls, characterized by rape and other brutal forms of sexual violence. He pointed out that these militias have engaged in merciless killings of civilians attempting to flee violence and have obstructed access to essential humanitarian resources for those remaining in conflict zones.
In response to these horrific actions, the United States has imposed sanctions and visa limitations on the RSF leader, Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, commonly referred to as Hemedti. These measures were taken to hold him accountable for his role in the human rights abuses perpetrated by RSF factions, particularly focusing on the systematic rapes carried out by his troops in Darfur. Secretary Blinken reiterated that the United States does not endorse either conflict party, emphasizing that both the RSF and SAF share responsibility for the violence gripping Sudan and possess no legitimacy to guide the country towards recuperation.
The Secretary concluded by affirming that the United States will continue to assess potential further actions aimed at holding accountable those responsible for the ongoing atrocities against the Sudanese population.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has escalated since April 2023, primarily involving the RSF and the SAF. The RSF was originally formed during the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s and has been linked to numerous human rights abuses. This civil war has resulted in widespread violence, displacement of populations, and significant humanitarian crises. Previous government assessments have documented the RSF’s actions as ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, indicating a grim pattern in Sudan’s history with human rights violations. The U.S. response reflects broader international concerns about stability in Sudan and the need for accountability.
In summary, the U.S. determination of genocide committed by the RSF constitutes a critical acknowledgment of the severity of human rights violations occurring in Sudan. The actions taken against Hemedti signify a proactive stance in addressing these issues, while also clarifying that neither fighting faction is considered a legitimate governing body for a future peaceful Sudan. The international community must remain vigilant and responsive to the ongoing humanitarian crisis as the situation evolves.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
