The United States government has officially declared that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are responsible for acts of genocide in Darfur.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the decision on Tuesday, citing credible information that linked the RSF to systematic killings and sexual violence targeting specific ethnic communities in the region.
The RSF, a paramilitary group in Sudan, has been accused of widespread human rights violations, and the U.S. designation of their actions as genocide marks a move in applying international pressure on the group.
According to U.S. officials, reports have revealed that men and boys from certain ethnic groups have been systematically murdered, while women and girls have been subjected to targeted sexual violence, further underscoring the severity of the atrocities in Darfur.
In response to these findings, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on the leader of the RSF. These sanctions aim to restrict the leader’s access to financial resources and international networks, holding them accountable for the crimes committed.
U.S. officials emphasized that the sanctions are intended to exert pressure on the RSF to cease its violent activities and comply with international human rights standards.
The U.S. government’s announcement comes amid ongoing conflict and instability in Sudan, where the RSF has been a key player in the country’s political turmoil.
The group has clashed with other military factions, contributing to the widespread humanitarian crisis and further exacerbating the suffering of Sudanese civilians.
Human rights organizations worldwide have applauded the U.S. designation of genocide, as they have long called for justice for the victims of violence in Darfur.
The RSF, which originated from the notorious Janjaweed militias, has been involved in numerous abuses throughout the Darfur region. Despite its formal transformation into a paramilitary group, the RSF continues to be accused of mass killings, looting, and other violent acts against civilians.
The Darfur conflict, which began in the early 2000s, has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and the loss of countless lives. Efforts to bring peace to the region have been complicated by ongoing violence and political instability within Sudan.