U.S. says Sudan's R.S.F. committed genocide in brutal civil war

In recent developments in Sudan, the United States government has formally accused a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) of committing genocide amid the ongoing civil war in the region. This accusation was announced by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who highlighted a series of atrocities committed by the R.S.F. There were reports of systematic murders of men and boys based on their ethnicity, alongside targeted sexual violence against women and girls. These acts have occurred in the western area of Darfur, a location previously highlighted for similar violence two decades ago. The rapid wave of violence has been attributed not only to the R.S.F. but also includes allied militias that have engaged in brutal acts against civilians. Blinken described these acts as terror against innocent individuals, stating that fleeing civilians were not spared and faced life-threatening violence. The report suggests a deliberate campaign aimed at instilling fear among the population, restricting access to essential supplies, and maintaining control over the region. The genocide determination recalls historical instances from 2004, when the previous U.S. administration recognized the Janjaweed militia, allied with the Sudanese military, as responsible for committing similar acts during a brutal counterinsurgency campaign in Darfur. This ongoing pattern raises concerns regarding accountability and the need for international intervention, as local populations continue to suffer amidst the chaos of civil war. To address the situation, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions targeting Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, the leader of the R.S.F., along with several companies in the United Arab Emirates that have supported the group through trading arms and resources. This move aims to weaken the financial and operational capabilities of the R.S.F. and its allies, marking a significant step in the U.S.'s responsibilities to provide humanitarian assistance and pursue justice for the ongoing atrocities in Sudan.