Title: The U.S. State Department Labels Sudan's Atrocities as Genocide
On January 7, 2025, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that the US State Department deemed the atrocities in Darfur to be equal to genocide. This statement was issued in response to the violence initiated by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. The conflict subsequently led to a global humanitarian catastrophe, with over 30 million individuals in dire need of assistance, and over 638,000 people experiencing the worst famine in Sudan's recent history. The casualty count remains unknown, with tens of thousands reported dead.
In December 2023, Secretary Blinken alleged that members of the SAF and RSF had committed war crimes in Sudan. The RSF and allied Arab militias were also accused of committing crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. The severity of these charges escalated in January 2025, with Secretary Blinken elevating the label to genocide. Evidence of the RSF and its allies systematically murdering men and boys, along with specifically targeting women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and brutal sexual violence, bolstered this recognition. The RSF and allied militias were also accused of targeting fleeing civilians, brutally murdering innocents trying to escape the conflict, and preventing remaining civilians from accessing vital resources.
The Unites States has not shied away from recognizing ongoing atrocities as genocide in recent years. This designation has been bestowed upon the atrocities perpetrated by Daesh against Yazidis, Christians, and other religious minorities, the atrocities committed against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China, and the atrocities against the Rohingya in Myanmar.
Following the recognition of the atrocities as genocide, some steps were taken to hold the perpetrators responsible for their actions. Notably, Secretary Blinken announced the imposition of sanctions on RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, also known as Hemedti. The designation was based on Hemedti's alleged role in the systematic commission of atrocities against the Sudanese population, including the mass rape of civilians by RSF soldiers under his command. As a result of these sanctions, Hemedti and his immediate family members have been barred from entering the United States. Seven RSF-owned companies situated in the United Arab Emirates and one individual were also sanctioned for their involvement in procuring weapons for the RSF.
Furthermore, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its commitment to support the people of Sudan. This support includes contributing $30 million to bolster civil society and amplify the voices of civilians in discussions surrounding Sudan's future. This pledge was made in December 2024.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been examining the situation in Darfur since 2005, following the atrocities that took place in the region in 2003. The ICC's investigation encompasses alleged genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur since July 1, 2002. In 2023, the ICC Chief Prosecutor verified that the Court maintained jurisdiction not only over atrocities committed two decades ago but also over the ongoing situation. He emphasized that his office would prioritize investigating crimes against children and sexual and gender-based violence. Additionally, the ICC launched a public campaign encouraging individuals with relevant information to share it with the Court.
With the U.S. State Department's renewed focus on Darfur, the global community has been prompted to pay closer attention to the ongoing crisis in the area. This heightened awareness is crucial for stopping the violence and providing victims and survivors with comprehensive assistance.
In light of the US State Department's recognition of genocide in Darfur, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating ongoing atrocity crimes in the region, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The severity of these crimes against the Sudanese population, particularly targeting specific ethnic groups, has sparked international concern and the need for global action to prevent further atrocity crimes in Sudan and Darfur.
