U.S. sanctions RSF commanders over civilian deaths in Darfur

May 15, 2024 (WASHINGTON) The U.S. Department of the Treasury Wednesday imposed sanctions on two commanders of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their role in a recent military campaign in North Darfur that has caused civilian casualties and threatened a fragile peace process.

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Ali Yagoub Gibril, the RSF Central Darfur commander, and Osman Mohamed Hamid Mohamed, the group’s head of operations. The sanctions freeze any assets they hold within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit American citizens and companies from doing business with them.

“The RSF’s attacks in North Darfur have endangered nearly one million civilians and impeded access to humanitarian aid,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson. “These sanctions target individuals who are undermining peace efforts and further perpetuating the conflict in Sudan.”

The U.S. administration had previously sanctioned the RSF itself and its deputy commander in 2023 for human rights abuses. Today’s action highlights the ongoing concerns about the paramilitary group’s activities in Darfur.

Escalating violence and humanitarian concerns

The RSF’s offensive in North Darfur began last month and included the encirclement of the region’s capital, El Fasher. This escalation in violence has displaced thousands of civilians and increased fears of mass atrocities.

The Treasury Department emphasizes Gibril and Mohamed’s critical roles in the RSF’s operations. Gibril commands troops surrounding El Fasher, the last major government-held city in Darfur, and Mohamed, as head of operations, plays a key role in planning RSF actions.

The United States is committed to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan. These sanctions aim to pressure the RSF leadership to stop their offensive in Darfur and encourage a return to dialogue.