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The United States has issued new sanctions against a senior leader of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Some background before you dig in: Back in April of 2023, a civil war erupted in Sudan between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The conflict was sparked by a power struggle after the 2019 ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir. Disagreements over merging the RSF into the national army and control of the country soon escalated into widespread violence, forcing countless people to flee their homes and plunging Sudan into a severe humanitarian crisis. Both sides have committed horrific acts, particularly in Darfur, where old ethnic tensions have led to the genocide of civilians.

What happened today: The Treasury Department announced sanctions targeting Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa, a senior leader of Sudan’s paramilitary RSF and the brother of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, for his involvement in supplying weapons to the militia amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war. The US is accusing Algoney of controlling the UAE-based front company that imported vehicles for the RSF and equipped them with machine guns. His actions are said to have played a key role in arming the RSF and directly contributing to the attacks of El Fasher in North Darfur, which has led to thousands of deaths.

What US officials are saying: In a statement, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said, “At a time when the United States, the United Nations, the African Union, and others are advocating for peace, key individuals on both sides—including Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa—continue to procure weapons to facilitate attacks and other atrocities against their own citizens. The United States will continue to hold accountable those who seek to prolong this conflict and restrict access to vital humanitarian assistance at a time of famine and fragility.”

Digging Deeper: Amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war, the UAE has faced previous accusations of aiding the RSF in acquiring weapons and resources. Some speculate this is because the UAE purchased significant land and invested in gold mines in areas previously controlled by the RSF, effectively making the RSF a de facto protector of these investments.