U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reaffirmed the United States’ steadfast commitment to assisting the people of Sudan in their pursuit of a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic future. “We are dedicated to helping the Sudanese people achieve their aspirations. To this end, in December, we allocated $30 million to support Sudanese civil society,” Blinken said in a statement released on Wednesday.
This announcement followed the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s decision to impose new sanctions targeting Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The sanctions also encompassed seven RSF-linked companies and an individual involved in procuring arms for the paramilitary group.
Blinken highlighted that these measures are in direct response to Hemedti’s role in orchestrating systematic atrocities against civilians during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. “These sanctions make Hemedti and his immediate family members ineligible for entry into the United States. They aim to hold him accountable for his disregard of international commitments, including the Jeddah Declaration for the Protection of Civilians and the 2024 Code of Conduct, which pledged to ensure humanitarian access and prevent war crimes,” he explained.
The Sudanese conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis. Blinken detailed the extent of the catastrophe: over 638,000 Sudanese are suffering from famine, more than 30 million require humanitarian aid, and tens of thousands have been killed. The war has disrupted countless lives and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, plunging the nation into unprecedented turmoil.
The Secretary of State called on all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a ceasefire that allows humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. “The United States will continue to stand with the people of Sudan and rally international support for their efforts to build a better future,” Blinken stressed.
The U.S. has been at the forefront of global initiatives to address Sudan’s crisis, providing essential resources and urging the international community to increase their contributions. Blinken’s statement reiterated the urgency of sustained international engagement to alleviate the suffering of Sudan’s population and ensure the country’s transition towards peace and democracy.
