U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Confirms Genocide by RSF Militia in Sudan's Civil War

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The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has confirmed that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and its allied groups are committing genocide in Sudan's ongoing civil war. This determination is based on extensive evidence of systematic atrocities, including mass rape, ethnic cleansing, and the denial of humanitarian aid, which collectively constitute genocide under international law.

The RSF, led by Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, known as Hemedti, has been implicated in widespread human rights abuses. These include the mass rape of civilians, executions of defenseless individuals, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. The RSF has also been involved in ethnically motivated killings, particularly targeting specific ethnic groups in conflict zones like Darfur.

The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 5.3 million people have been internally displaced, and an additional 1.3 million have fled to neighboring countries. The disruption has severely impacted essential services, with up to 80% of health facilities shut down, exacerbating diseases like cholera and malaria.

The United States has responded by imposing sanctions on Hemedti and several RSF-owned companies, as well as individuals involved in procuring weapons for the RSF. These sanctions aim to hold those responsible accountable and to deter further atrocities. The U.S. also continues to support the Sudanese people through humanitarian aid and efforts to promote a peaceful, democratic transition in Sudan.