In a groundbreaking statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has concluded that members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have committed war crimes.
He further emphasized that the paramilitary forces have also committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in Sudan.
Secretary Blinken’s determination follows a comprehensive investigation by the State Department into the conflict that erupted in Sudan on April 15, 2023. The investigation uncovered that civilians have been subjected to abuse and, in some cases, killed at SAF and RSF detention centres.
Moreover, the RSF and allied militias have terrorized women and girls throughout Sudan through sexual violence, attacking them in their homes, abducting them from the streets, or targeting those seeking refuge across the border.
He also outlined the horrific atrocities committed in West Darfur state, stating that their situation mirrors the genocide that began almost 20 years ago in Darfur.
“the communities civilians have been hunted down and left for dead in the streets, their homes set on fire, and told that there is no place in Sudan for them,” he declared.
“Based on the State Department’s meticulous analysis of the law and available evidence, I have determined that members of the SAF and the RSF have committed war crimes in Sudan. I have also determined that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing,” he emphasized.
Secretary Blinken’s determination signifies a significant step towards holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions. It paves the way for additional measures from the American administration against the two parties.
The announcement arrives as a pivotal moment in the international response to the Sudanese crisis, demanding immediate attention to address the population’s severe humanitarian and human rights challenges.
Secretary Blinken urged the Sudanese government and the international community to prioritize protecting civilians and guaranteeing access to humanitarian aid for those affected by the conflict.
Seven months after the outbreak of the war in Sudan, regional and international efforts have failed to halt the clashes and violence against civilians. Furthermore, humanitarian access remains hampered by both sides despite the signed commitments in this regard.
The Biden administration has been criticized for not taking prompt measures to press the belligerents to cease fighting.
Additionally, commentators have failed to explain why Washington remained silent while its regional allies continued to fuel the conflict and provide weapons to the warring parties.
For the first time since the conflict began, the White House stated on December 2 that Vice President Kamala Harris discussed the situation in Sudan with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).
The statement read that Harris expressed “her concerns about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Sudan.”
