U.S. sanctions RSF leader Hemedti over ethnic cleansing genocide

In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the RSF and allied militias have committed systematic atrocities against civilians in Sudan, particularly in Darfur.

Blinken condemned the RSF’s actions, which he said included the systematic murder of men, boys, and infants on an ethnic basis, as well as the targeting of women and girls for rape and other forms of sexual violence. He also cited the RSF’s attacks on fleeing civilians and the prevention of access to lifesaving supplies.

“The RSF and RSF-aligned militias have continued to direct attacks against civilians. The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys – even infants – on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence. Those same militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people escaping conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies. Based on this information, I have now concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan,” Blinken said.

The U.S. sanctions target Hemedti personally, including asset freezes, travel restrictions, and public designations making him and his immediate family ineligible for entry to the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned seven RSF-owned companies in the United Arab Emirates and one individual accused of procuring weapons for the RSF.

“We are today sanctioning RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, known as Hemedti, for his role in systematic atrocities committed against the Sudanese people.  We are also sanctioning seven RSF-owned companies located in the United Arab Emirates and one individual for their roles in procuring weapons for the RSF.  In addition, we are today announcing Hemedti’s designation under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross violations of human rights in Darfur, namely the mass rape of civilians by RSF soldiers under his control.  As a result of this designation, Hemedti and his immediate family members are ineligible for entry to the United States,” Blinken said.

The U.S. government also emphasized that these sanctions do not signify support for Sudan’s military leadership under General Abdelfattah al-Burhan, which has also been accused of war crimes against innocent civilians.

“Today’s action is part of our continued efforts to promote accountability for all warring parties whose actions fuel this conflict. The United States does not support either side of this war, and these actions against Hemedti and the RSF do not signify support or favor for the SAF. Both belligerents bear responsibility for the violence and suffering in Sudan and lack the legitimacy to govern a future peaceful Sudan,” Blinken said.

“The United States continues to evaluate additional actions to impose costs on those perpetuating the conflict and atrocities against the Sudanese people.  We also continue to support the Sudanese people in achieving their aspirations for a peaceful, just, and inclusive democratic future, which is why in December I announced that the United States will provide $30 million to support Sudanese civil society actors,” he added.

sudanspost.com