US Declares Genocide by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces During Civil War

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The United States has officially declared that Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have committed genocide during the ongoing civil war, which began in 2023. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this determination on Tuesday, citing "systematic atrocities" committed by the RSF, particularly in west Darfur. In response, the US imposed sanctions on RSF commander Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, commonly known as Hemedti.

Blinken detailed a pattern of ethnic violence where RSF militias have targeted civilians, obstructed access to essential supplies, and committed horrific acts including mass killings and sexual violence against specific ethnic groups. The announcement comes as part of a broader global scrutiny of the US's stance on international conflicts.

The RSF, which originated from the Janjaweed militias notorious for their actions in Darfur in the early 2000s, has been accused of escalating violence since a fallout with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) that resulted in a brutal civil war. As of now, tens of thousands of people have died, and approximately 12 million have been displaced, contributing to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

In addition to sanctions against Hemedti, the US Treasury Department has targeted eight entities, including companies based in the UAE accused of providing military support to the RSF. Blinken emphasized the US commitment to holding accountable those responsible for these atrocities and hinted at potential further international actions against the RSF.

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