Administrator Samantha Power of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) conveyed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s determination that members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have committed war crimes in Sudan.
Additionally, the RSF and allied militias are held responsible for crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, sexual violence, deportation, or forcible transfer, as well as persecution, contributing to ethnic cleansing in Darfur.
This declaration comes nearly two decades after Secretary Colin Powell announced a determination of genocide in Darfur. Since April 15, the SAF and RSF have engaged in a devastating conflict against each other and the Sudanese people at large, resulting in a near-collapse of Sudan’s social fabric and physical infrastructure.
The ongoing war has intensified an already dire humanitarian situation, with Sudanese civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict as they demand peaceful, democratic civilian rule.
Over the past eight months, the needless and unconscionable conflict has caused over 5.3 million internal displacements within Sudan, with an additional 1.3 million individuals seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Disturbingly, three million of those displaced are children, highlighting the severity of the crisis. In Darfur, many newly displaced individuals have faced repeated displacement from their homes.
The conflict has also led to the closure or destruction of hospitals and schools across Sudan, leaving millions without vital healthcare and exposing them to diseases like cholera and malaria.
Secretary Blinken’s determination is deemed a crucial step towards accountability for survivors and victims of the Sudanese conflicts. The United States pledges support for the International Criminal Court’s active investigation into crimes in Darfur, emphasizing the importance of holding those accountable for crimes committed since 2003. Cutting off external support for the RSF and SAF is identified as a key measure to end the violence, with any individual or country continuing support being held responsible for contributing to atrocities against the Sudanese people.
Expressing deep concern about history repeating itself, Administrator Power highlighted the need for a transition to civilian leadership in Sudan to break the pattern of needless violence. She called for the SAF and RSF to permanently cease hostilities, end interference in humanitarian operations, and facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
As the largest donor supporting Sudan, the United States remains committed to programs protecting human rights and addressing urgent needs. The commitment extends to supporting the Sudanese people in their pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice.
