U.S. sanctions RSF chief Hemedti over ethnic cleaning, genocide – Sudans Put up
WASHINGTON – The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on the chief of paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, generally known as Hemedti, accusing him of orchestrating atrocities, together with genocide and ethnic cleaning, amid Sudan’s ongoing battle.
In an announcement issued by the U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the RSF and allied militias have dedicated systematic atrocities in opposition to civilians in Sudan, significantly in Darfur.
Blinken condemned the RSF’s actions, which he stated included the systematic homicide of males, boys, and infants on an ethnic foundation, in addition to the concentrating on of ladies and ladies for rape and different types of sexual violence. He additionally cited the RSF’s assaults on fleeing civilians and the prevention of entry to lifesaving provides.
“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 stated.
The U.S. sanctions goal Hemedti personally, together with asset freezes, journey restrictions, and public designations making him and his quick household ineligible for entry to the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department additionally sanctioned seven RSF-owned firms within the United Arab Emirates and one particular person 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 stated.
The U.S. authorities additionally emphasised that these sanctions don’t signify help for Sudan’s army management below General Abdelfattah al-Burhan, which has additionally been accused of warfare crimes in opposition to harmless 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 stated.
“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.
