Sudan’s government slams U.S. for failure to condemn RSF regional accomplices
December 7, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s government on Thursday accused the United States of neglecting to condemn countries that have provided support and resources to the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of war crimes and ethnic cleansing.
The criticism came in response to remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who on December 6 acknowledged that both the Sudanese military and the RSF had committed war crimes. However, Blinken specifically singled out the RSF for their involvement in crimes against humanity.
The Sudanese foreign ministry rejected the U.S. administration’s accusations, arguing that they lacked basis. The ministry also criticized Washington’s perceived ambiguity regarding countries that have continued to supply the RSF with weapons and equipment, enabling them to perpetuate conflict and the suffering of civilians.
“Blinken’s statement also neglected to mention the countries that continue to supply the rebel militia with weapons and mercenaries and have close ties to the United States,” the Sudanese foreign ministry stated. “These countries are complicit in and co-responsible for the crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing committed by the rebel militia.”
This criticism of the American administration’s position towards the United Arab Emirates (UAE) follows a recent wave of criticisms by U.S. congressmen, who have condemned the Biden administration’s silence regarding the UAE’s support for the Sudanese paramilitary forces.
On December 4, a group of congressmen, led by Representatives Ilhan Omar and Sara Jacobs, sent a letter to Secretary of State Blinken, requesting more information about US strategies for atrocity prevention and justice in Sudan.
“Is the Department, in carrying out this determination, considering the role of third countries in facilitating atrocities? Specifically, is the Department looking into the reported role of the United Arab Emirates in supporting the RSF and in disregarding the UN arms embargo on Darfur?” They asked.
During a hearing on December 6, the chair of the U.S. Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Representative John James, echoed these concerns, urging the Biden administration to take a stronger stance against the UAE’s involvement in Sudan.
In response to these criticisms, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee pointed to a discussion between U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and UAE President Mohamed Ben Zayed on December 2, where they reportedly discussed Sudan.
“I think the publicity of this hearing and your statement and request to the UAE to consider the detrimental impact of their support to the RSF would be helpful,” Phee added.
The UAE has consistently denied any involvement in the Sudanese conflict, maintaining its support for an intra-Sudanese dialogue to resolve the crisis.
(ST)