The United States has officially recognized the so-called “genocidal actions” of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the ongoing civil conflict. This acknowledgment by the Biden administration has resulted in severe international implications, focusing on the ethnic violence perpetrating the region. But what does this mean for Sudan, and how does it affect the global stage’s response?
US Declaration and Sanctions
The Biden administration has alerted the world to the atrocities being committed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. In less than thirty years, this is the second time genocide has been declared in the embattled region. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions targeting RSF commander Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, alias Hemedti, accusing him of orchestrating systematic ethnic violence, particularly in Darfur.
The RSF, an extension of the notorious Janjaweed militias, have a long history of alleged war crimes. Accusations include systematic ethnic violence and the obstruction of essential supplies. Blinken’s comments assert that these forces committed crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and targeted civilians strictly along ethnic lines. This statement followed months of deliberation by the US State Department.
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
International Implications
The determination of genocide by the US has implications for global intervention. The US sanctions on Hemedti extend to businesses owned by the RSF in the UAE and several individuals linked to arms procurement. The US Treasury Department imposed penalties on multiple entities, marking a major move in global justice for continued ethnic violence.
“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
The UNAUDITED Report highlights that thousands have perished due to this ongoing conflict, with millions displaced. This development not only spotlights Sudan but also pushes the international community to focus urgently on halting these human rights violations.
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
Historical Context and Current Crisis
The RSF’s past is rooted in their emergence from the Janjaweed militias, which were instrumental during the conflicts in Darfur in the 2000s. These forces were previously used by dictator Omar al-Bashir to quash pro-democracy protests as recently as 2019. With the recent feud between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces in 2023, tens of thousands of lives have been lost, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
The severity of the crisis demands global attention. Mass famine and forced displacement are among the critical challenges the Sudanese people face, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The current declaration of genocide may encourage countries to address the needs of Sudan through coordinated actions and sanctions against those responsible within the RSF.
Sources:
US determines Sudan paramilitary committed genocide, sanctions leader
U.S. declares genocide in Sudan : NPR
US declares Sudan’s paramilitary forces have committed genocide during civil war