The United States has formally determined that members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan, following a brutal campaign of violence against civilians. On January 7, 2025, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced the imposition of targeted sanctions on Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, the leader of the RSF, in response to his role in the atrocities perpetrated against Sudanese civilians.
Since the eruption of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF on April 15, 2023, Sudan has faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The violence has led to the world’s largest famine, leaving over 638,000 people at risk of starvation and more than 30 million people in need of emergency assistance. Tens of thousands have lost their lives in the conflict, which Secretary Blinken described as one of the most brutal and devastating humanitarian catastrophes of recent memory.
In December 2023, Secretary Blinken had already concluded that members of both the SAF and RSF had committed war crimes, with the RSF and its affiliated militias responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. However, after further investigation into the scale and scope of the violence, Blinken today expanded his determination to include genocide. The RSF and allied militias have targeted specific ethnic groups with ruthless precision, including systematic murders of men, boys, and infants, and the rape and sexual violence of women and girls from certain ethnic communities.
Atrocities on a Gruesome Scale
The atrocities committed by the RSF under Hemedti’s leadership have included the deliberate targeting of fleeing civilians, preventing humanitarian aid from reaching the most vulnerable, and systematically committing sexual violence as a weapon of war. Secretary Blinken outlined the horrific nature of these acts, noting that RSF soldiers have engaged in widespread mass rape and the slaughter of innocent civilians.
“These actions go beyond brutality — they represent an attempt to erase entire communities and sow fear among Sudan’s people. The United States will not stand by as these atrocities unfold,” Blinken declared.
The U.S. State Department’s genocide determination is grounded in the United Nations’ definitions of genocide, with a particular emphasis on the targeting of ethnic groups and the use of violence as a means of destroying them. The RSF’s actions have, in effect, sought to wipe out entire communities through violent and horrific means.
Sanctions on Hemedti and RSF Entities
As part of its response, the United States imposed sanctions on Hemedti — the de facto leader of the RSF — for his role in the atrocities. Hemedti has been designated under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, for his direct involvement in gross violations of human rights. This designation makes Hemedti and his immediate family members ineligible for entry to the United States.
In addition to sanctions against Hemedti, the U.S. government also targeted seven RSF-owned companies based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as an individual involved in the procurement of weapons for the RSF. These entities and individuals have been involved in sustaining the RSF’s violent operations, further fueling the conflict in Sudan and the suffering of its people.
The Path Forward: Accountability and Support for Sudanese People
Secretary Blinken emphasized that today’s action was part of the broader U.S. commitment to hold accountable those responsible for the atrocities in Sudan. He made clear, however, that the U.S. does not support either side of the war, as both the SAF and RSF have engaged in actions that are responsible for the widespread violence and suffering.
“We continue to hold both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces accountable for their role in the suffering of the Sudanese people. Both sides have demonstrated a lack of legitimacy and a disregard for the protection of civilians,” Blinken noted.
In addition to the targeted sanctions, the United States has committed significant support to the Sudanese people, including $30 million in funding to assist Sudanese civil society groups and promote a peaceful transition toward a democratic Sudan. The U.S. government continues to evaluate additional actions to impose costs on those perpetuating the conflict and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
“Even in these dire times, the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful, just, and inclusive future remain unwavering. The United States stands with them,” Blinken said.
U.S. Commitment to Sudanese Peace
In line with its long-standing policy, the United States remains committed to Sudan’s democratic future, and continues to support efforts to hold those responsible for the genocide and other atrocities accountable. Secretary Blinken pointed out that these measures are in line with Executive Order 14098, which authorizes sanctions against those who destabilize Sudan and undermine the country’s democratic transition.
“The United States will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those responsible for fueling the conflict in Sudan face justice,” Blinken concluded.
Today’s action marks the latest in a series of U.S. efforts aimed at promoting accountability and justice for the victims of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and underscores America’s unwavering support for a peaceful and democratic future for the Sudanese people.