The U.S. government has imposed sweeping sanctions on Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hamidti, in response to grave human rights violations, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. The measures were outlined in a detailed statement issued by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday.
Genocide Determination and Accountability
Blinken’s statement declared that after thorough legal and factual review, elements of the RSF and allied militias were found responsible for committing genocide in Sudan. This conclusion builds on prior announcements, including a December 2023 declaration implicating the RSF and allied Arab militias in ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
Additionally, the U.S. determined both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) were culpable for war crimes during the ongoing conflict, which has wrought untold suffering upon Sudan’s civilian population.
Targeted Sanctions and Economic Measures
The sanctions target seven companies linked to the RSF, many headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, and an individual involved in arms procurement for the militia. The sanctions render Hamidti and his immediate family ineligible for entry into the U.S. and freeze their assets under Executive Order 14098, which targets individuals destabilizing Sudan.
Blinken emphasized that Hamidti and the RSF have blatantly disregarded international humanitarian law and agreements such as the 2023 Jeddah Declaration on civilian protection and the 2024 Code of Conduct launched by the “Allies for Saving Lives and Achieving Peace in Sudan” initiative.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
The statement detailed the devastating consequences of the conflict that erupted in April 2023, labeling it the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict has resulted in over 30 million Sudanese requiring humanitarian aid, 12 million forcibly displaced, and 638,000 facing famine. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed.
No Favoritism in Accountability
Blinken clarified that the U.S. sanctions are not an endorsement of the SAF, which has also engaged in atrocities such as airstrikes and artillery attacks on civilians while obstructing humanitarian aid. Both warring factions, he asserted, bear responsibility for the ongoing violence, suffering, and lack of legitimacy to govern Sudan peacefully.
Call for Disarmament and International Action
The statement called on both parties to disarm, facilitate unrestricted humanitarian aid, and adhere to international humanitarian laws. Blinken urged the United Nations and the global community to intensify efforts to end the unimaginable suffering and bring the perpetrators of violence to justice.
U.S. Commitment to Sudan’s Future
Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ role as the largest humanitarian donor to Sudan, pledging continued support for the Sudanese people. He stressed that the U.S. remains committed to amplifying Sudanese voices, ensuring justice, and fostering a democratic, peaceful, and inclusive future for the nation.
As Blinken concluded, the U.S. will continue leveraging all available tools to promote peace, accountability, and stability in Sudan, taking additional measures in the days ahead to address those undermining the country’s security and democracy.
