Washington, D.C. — Today, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are perpetrating genocide in Sudan. Blinken acknowledged that Sudan is considered the world’s largest humanitarian disaster and announced sanctions against RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, also known as Hemedti, in addition to key RSF-affiliated militias and other entities. In response, Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Anne-Marea Griffin issued the following statement:
This announcement marks an important step toward accountability for the atrocities in Sudan. It highlights the massive scale and brutality of these atrocities, including sexual violence, killing of civilians, executions of unarmed fighters, and RSF’s denial of humanitarian relief as a weapon of war. Sanctioning individuals and companies fueling the violence sends a strong message that those responsible for war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and genocide will face consequences.
This move is a significant step in the effort to promote peace and justice in Sudan. But it is far from the final step. The United States must remain steadfast and resolute in supporting the Sudanese people’s aspirations to end the violence in pursuit of democracy. As a U.S. partner, the United Arab Emirates must enforce these sanctions on RSF weapons suppliers within its borders. It must also recognize its responsibility to halt arms transfers and financial support from entities that serve to perpetuate the violence in Sudan.
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