US accuses Sudan's RSF of genocide, imposes sanctions on leaders

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says US committed to ‘holding accountable those responsible for these atrocities’.

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The United States has accused Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias of committing genocide, announcing sanctions on the group’s leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Tuesday that the RSF had directly targeted civilians and systematically murdered men and boys based on ethnicity. He also highlighted the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls as part of their campaign.

“The United States is committed to holding accountable those responsible for these atrocities,” Blinken said, reiterating Washington’s stance on the conflict.

War's devastating toll

The ongoing war between Sudan’s military and the RSF has claimed tens of thousands of lives over the past 18 months and displaced more than 11 million people internally. According to research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, thousands more have died due to starvation and disease exacerbated by the conflict.

“The RSF and its allied militias have continued to launch attacks on civilians,” Blinken said. “They have targeted those attempting to flee, killing innocent people, and obstructed access to vital supplies for those left behind.”

Sanctions on Dagalo and RSF entities

The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Dagalo, freezing any US-based assets and barring him from entering the country. Additionally, seven companies affiliated with the RSF and based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been targeted by sanctions.

The Sudanese government has accused the UAE of arming the RSF, a claim the Gulf state denies. Meanwhile, international organisations, including the United Nations, have called for an end to arms supplies to both the RSF and the Sudanese military, saying such actions enable further atrocities.

Humanitarian crisis worsens

Efforts by global organisations to provide aid have been hindered by the violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a severe humanitarian crisis, with malnourished children and mothers dying due to lack of care and the spread of cholera across Sudan.

“Cholera is spreading in many parts of the country,” said Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s regional director, during a media briefing in October.

Broader accusations of genocide

While focusing on Sudan, the US itself faces allegations of enabling human rights abuses in the Gaza Strip. Israel, a key US ally, has been accused of genocide during its military campaign in Gaza, which has reportedly killed over 45,000 Palestinians. The US has denied these accusations, maintaining its support for Israel through military aid.

The Sudanese conflict continues to draw international condemnation, with calls for accountability and an urgent need for humanitarian relief in the war-torn nation.