RSF deputy leader denounces U.S. sanctions as unjust
September 7, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Abdelrahim Daglo, the Deputy Leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Thursday described as unfair the individual sanctions against him imposed by the United States.
On Wednesday, the United States imposed sanctions on Daglo, accusing him of involvement in violations, including killings and sexual violence against civilians during Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
“The imposition of sanctions on me is an unjust decision, and the U.S. administration based its decision on information from sources hostile to the RSF forces and its leadership,” he told Sky News Arabia from Nairobi where he is currently.
“Those who made this decision did not differentiate between those who sow discord and kill civilians in Darfur and those who defend them. There should be an investigation without hasty judgments;” he added.
Daglo explained that over the past four years, the RSF exerted efforts to resolve the Darfur crisis and blamed General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan Head of the Sovereign Council for sowing discord between the West Darfur tribes. He further alleged that al-Burhan armed tribes through military intelligence and the security apparatus.
The deputy leader of the dissolved paramilitary forces stressed that the RSF members are disciplined and observe the law. He added they cannot support any tribe because they are diversified and represent the various tribal components of the region.
Following the eruption of war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, the fighting in the troubled West Darfur quickly turned into tribal clashes between the Masalit and the Arab tribes backed by the RSF forces.
The targeting of civilians forced thousands including the Masalit tribal leader to flee El-Geneina of West Darfur.
Speaking to Reuters from N’Djamena on Thursday, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, dismissed Dagalo’s statements.
“Please. What is unfair, unconscionable are the atrocities that are being committed against the Sudanese people. That’s the issue that is unfair,” said Thomas-Greenfield.
“This is about justice, this is about accountability and that’s where we’re continuing to focus our attention,” she further emphasized.
Besides the individual sanctions freezing Daglo’s funds and assets, the State Department imposed visa restrictions on Daglo and Abdel Rahman Juma the RSF West Darfur Sector Commander.
For his part, Juma held a press conference in El Geniena where he said that his forces were not part of the tribal fighting in the West Darfur capital.
“I am ready to be tried and go anywhere to clarify the truth. The accusations against me and the deputy commander are lies and misinformation,” he said.
(ST)