U.S. sanctions RSF leader Hemedti

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), also known as Hemedti, and determined that members of the paramilitary group and allied militias committed genocide in Sudan.

The U.S. sanctions target Hemedti personally, including asset freezes, travel restrictions, and public designations barring him and his immediate family from entering the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned seven RSF-owned companies in the United Arab Emirates and one individual 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,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said..

“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,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

This decision marks a significant step in the final days of the Biden administration’s policy on Sudan, though it is not the first. Earlier, the U.S. sanctioned two of Hemedti’s family members: his brother, Abdelrahim Hamdan Daglo, the RSF’s deputy leader, and his younger brother, Al-Goney Hamdan Daglo, who oversees RSF procurement.

Hemedti is the third family member to face U.S. sanctions and the sixth RSF leader to be targeted by the U.S. government.

Other RSF officials sanctioned include Abdulraham Juma, the RSF’s West Darfur commander, Taha Osman, an RSF procurement assistant, Osman Mohamed, the RSF operations commander, also known as Osman “Operations,” and Ali Yagoub, the RSF’s Central Darfur commander (now deceased), for their roles in leading RSF operations in Darfur.

The sanctions are expected to severely restrict Hemedti’s ability to access international financial networks, including asset freezes and travel bans.

While the immediate impact on Sudan is unclear, the measures aim to diminish the RSF’s resources and influence, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to holding accountable those fueling the conflict and violence in Sudan.

Blinken also condemned the RSF and allied militias for committing systematic atrocities against civilians in Sudan, particularly in Darfur. He detailed the RSF’s actions, which included the ethnic-based murder of men, boys, and infants, as well as the targeted rape and sexual violence against women and girls.

He also cited attacks on fleeing civilians and the prevention of access to lifesaving supplies.

“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,” Blinken said.

“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,” he added.

The U.S. diplomat further emphasized that today’s sanctions on Hemedti are part of a broader U.S. strategy to hold accountable those responsible for violence and suffering in Sudan.

He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to pursuing justice for civilians affected by the conflict and ensuring accountability for the perpetrators of atrocities.

However, Blinken clarified that these actions should not be seen as an endorsement of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leadership. The U.S. does not support either side in the ongoing conflict, with both the RSF and SAF held accountable for the violence ravaging Sudan.

“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,” he said.

“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.