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- The Biden administration has determined that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its proxies have committed genocide in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
- The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the RSF’s leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), and several RSF-owned companies in the United Arab Emirates.
- The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, millions displaced, and a severe humanitarian crisis.
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Essential Context
The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has escalated into the world’s biggest current humanitarian catastrophe. The conflict is between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group.
Core Players
- Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) – Leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
- Antony Blinken – U.S. Secretary of State
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – Sudanese paramilitary group
- Sudanese Armed Forces – Sudan’s military
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Accused of arming the RSF despite denials
Key Numbers
- 28,000+ – Estimated deaths in the conflict since April 2023
- 12 million – Number of Sudanese displaced due to the conflict
- 7 – Number of RSF-owned companies in the UAE targeted by U.S. sanctions
- 18+ months – Duration of the ongoing conflict
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The Catalyst
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule. This power struggle has led to widespread violence and humanitarian crises.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the RSF and its aligned militias have continued to direct attacks against civilians, systematically murdering men and boys on an ethnic basis and targeting women and girls for rape and other forms of sexual violence.
Inside Forces
The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has been engaged in a brutal armed conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, displaced millions, and triggered widespread starvation.
The U.S. has accused the RSF of preventing civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies and targeting fleeing civilians, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Power Dynamics
The determination of genocide by the U.S. reflects a significant escalation in the international community’s response to the crisis. The sanctions imposed on Hemedti and RSF-owned companies aim to hold those responsible for the atrocities accountable.
The United Arab Emirates, accused of arming the RSF, has denied these allegations despite evidence to the contrary. This has added another layer of complexity to the international response to the conflict.
Outside Impact
The conflict in Sudan has broader implications for regional stability and global humanitarian efforts. The extensive displacement and humanitarian crisis have created the world’s largest refugee crisis, posing significant challenges for international aid organizations.
The U.S. sanctions are part of a broader effort to pressure the RSF into serious ceasefire negotiations and to deter future human rights crimes.
Future Forces
Future developments will likely hinge on the efficacy of the imposed sanctions and the international community’s ability to influence the conflict. Ceasefire talks, though unlikely to change the immediate situation, remain a critical long-term goal.
Key areas for potential reform include humanitarian access, disarmament, and transitional justice mechanisms to address the atrocities committed.
- Humanitarian access to affected areas
- Disarmament and demobilization of militias
- Transitional justice mechanisms for accountability
- International cooperation to support a sustainable peace process
Data Points
- April 2023: Conflict between RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces begins
- December 2023: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken determines war crimes and ethnic cleansing
- January 7, 2025: U.S. determines genocide and imposes sanctions on RSF leaders and companies
- 12 million: Estimated number of displaced Sudanese
- 28,000+: Estimated deaths in the conflict
The ongoing conflict in Sudan highlights the urgent need for international intervention and accountability. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the world watches with hope that diplomatic efforts and sanctions can bring about a resolution to this devastating humanitarian crisis.
