U.S. enforces visa restrictions on two RSF senior commanders

September 6, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the imposition of visa restrictions on the Deputy Leader and West Darfur Sector Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Earlier the same day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury had placed individual sanctions on RSF’s second-in-command, Abdelrahim Daglo, citing his role in destabilizing Sudan and undermining the country’s democratic transition.

“The Department of State is imposing visa restrictions on RSF General and West Darfur Sector Commander, Abdul Rahman Juma, for his involvement in a gross violation of human rights,” Blinken stated. He went on to detail that RSF forces under General Juma’s command had kidnapped and killed West Darfur Governor Khamis Abbakar and his brother on June 15, 2023.

Governor Abbakar had made public statements on Al-Hadath TV, condemning the RSF for the widespread violence and civilian killings by the RSF and its allied militias in El Geneina.

Visa restrictions were also extended to Abdelrahim Daglo “for his affiliation with the RSF, whose members have been responsible for human rights abuses against Sudanese civilians, including conflict-related sexual violence and ethnically motivated killings.”

Blinken expressed the commitment to hold those responsible for atrocities accountable and to seek justice for the victims. He warned that all available means would be used to prevent the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) from prolonging the conflict.

“We will also employ these tools to discourage any party from obstructing the Sudanese people’s desire for peace and the establishment of civilian, democratic governance,” he emphasized.

The Sudanese foreign ministry has yet to issue a statement regarding the sanctions on RSF senior officials.