The United States has stated that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are committing genocide amid the country’s protracted civil war, marking a significant escalation in the international response to the conflict.
Genocidal Acts by the Rapid Support Forces
The Biden administration has deemed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) guilty of committing genocide amidst Sudan’s ongoing civil war. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a decisive move, announced the imposition of sanctions on RSF commander Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, also known as Hemedti. The RSF has been linked with systematic ethnic violence, primarily in the Darfur region, which has forced the US to act decisively.
Today @SecBlinken announces a determination of genocide by the RSF, and @USTreasury is sanctioning RSF top commander Hemedti for his role in prolonging this conflict and sanctioning 7 companies for their role in procuring weapons for the RSF. These sanctions will further… https://t.co/2SVxXGmd2H
— U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello (@USSESudan) January 7, 2025
This classification marks the second instance of genocide recorded in Sudan over the past three decades. It underscores the RSF’s notorious history, originating from the infamous Janjaweed militias. Known for their violent crackdowns, the RSF was previously deployed by Sudan’s former dictator Omar al-Bashir to dismantle pro-democracy protests in 2019.
The United States declared on Tuesday that Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have committed genocide, citing widespread atrocities against civilians. As a result of this determination, the U.S. imposed sanctions on its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo "Hemetti".… pic.twitter.com/fnWH1ZUT1J
— Sudan Tribune (@SudanTribune_EN) January 7, 2025
International Response and Sanctions
The US action comes after exhaustive deliberation by the State Department, which concluded that the RSF’s acts in Darfur amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. Alongside sanctions on Hemedti, additional measures target RSF-owned companies in the UAE and individuals procuring arms for the group. Notably, the Sudan Armed Forces were not implicated in these sanctions or the genocide determination.
“The Biden administration said it has determined that Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, is committing genocide in the country’s ongoing civil war.” – Biden administration.
These penalties also include visa restrictions on Hemedti and his family due to their human rights violations in Darfur. Such sanctions highlight the US’s commitment to advocating for justice by undermining the RSF’s financial and logistical networks.
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Impact
The conflict between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces that erupted in 2023 has spiraled into one of the globe’s most pressing humanitarian crises. Estimates suggest tens of thousands have died, and millions face severe famine and displacement. The targeted ethnic attacks, particularly against the non-Arab Masalit, further exacerbate the plight of the Sudanese people.
“The declaration of genocide by a powerful nation like the US could trigger an enhanced international response and elevate the plight of Sudanese civilians on the global agenda” – Sudan Expert.
As the world watches, the US’s genocide determination and ensuing sanctions are expected to propagate a stronger international reckoning for the RSF and its affiliates, urging allies to align for a unified response against such atrocities.
Sources:
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5071759-biden-admin-sanctions-sudan/
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/07/nx-s1-5251335/u-s-declares-genocide-in-sudan
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/07/us-determines-sudan-paramilitary-genocide
