US sanctions paramilitary leaders in Sudan
The United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and State Department have imposed sanctions on top commanders in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), correctly pointing out that “members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur have committed atrocities and other abuses, inducing ethnically motivated killings, targeted abuses against human rights activists and defenders, conflict-related sexual violence, and looting and burning of communities.”
Sudan’s military regime disintegrated on April 15, 2023. The army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the two primary factions in the regime, went to war with each for control of Sudan. Fighting has spread across the country, with millions of Sudanese caught in the crossfire and ethnic minorities facing famine, war crimes, and genocide.
The US government is specifically targeting Abdelrahim Dagalo, the RSF’s deputy commander and brother to top RSF commander Hemeti, as well as Abdul Rahman Juma, the RSF’s top general in West Darfur.
Abdelrahim is also being designated for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of the RSF, an entity that has, or whose members have, engaged in the targeting of women, children, or any other civilians through the commission of acts of violence (including killing, maiming, torture, or rape or other sexual violence), abduction, forced displacement, or attacks on schools, hospitals, religious sites, or locations where civilians are seeking refuge, or through conduct that would constitute a serious abuse or violation of human rights or a violation of international humanitarian law relating to the tenure of such leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors.
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated person described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.
In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken:
The Department of State is imposing visa restrictions on RSF General and West Darfur Sector Commander, Abdul Rahman Juma, for his involvement in a gross violation of human rights. According to credible sources, on June 15, 2023, RSF forces led by General Juma kidnapped and killed the Governor of West Darfur, Khamis Abbakar, and his brother. This act came just hours after Abbakar’s public statements condemning the actions of the RSF.
The United States continues to call on all external actors to avoid fueling the conflict. We will not hesitate to use the tools at our disposal to hinder the ability of the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to further prolong this war, and we will also use such tools to deter any actor from undermining the Sudanese people’s aspiration for peace and civilian, democratic rule. We will act to promote accountability for those responsible for atrocities and to pursue justice for the victims. The parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, hold accountable those responsible for atrocities or other abuses, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and negotiate an end to the conflict.
We Need Your Help
In our 12 years of working alongside Sudanese heroes, we’ve never seen anything like this. Extreme violence is spreading. Entire cities and villages are being destroyed. Famine looms. And program costs are skyrocketing.
Our Sudanese partners are struggling. They need 100 of us to start giving at least $50/month to help them continue their lifesaving work. ⚡️This is a big matchmaking campaign!⚡️ The first 100 new monthly givers will be matched by a private donor for 3 months.
The Renewal is our passionate family of monthly givers supporting Sudanese heroes. You’ll receive updates from our partners roughly once a quarter, a donation receipt each month, and an annual giving statement at the beginning of each year.
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