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The Biden Administration has announced new sanctions targeting the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and has officially accused the military group of committing genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity amid the country’s brutal civil war.

Some shit you should know before you read: In April of 2023, a civil war erupted in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), triggered by a power struggle following the 2019 ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir. The conflict, rooted in disagreements over merging the RSF into the national army and controlling the country, quickly spiraled into widespread violence, forcing many to flee their homes and plunging the nation into a deep humanitarian crisis. Both sides have committed horrific acts, particularly in places like Darfur, where old ethnic tensions have led to the genocide of civilians.

What’s going on: In an announcement from the State Department and Treasury, the United States imposed sanctions on Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, known as Hemedti, the leader of Sudan’s RSF, along with seven RSF-linked companies based in the United Arab Emirates. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Hemedti and the RSF of committing genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing during Sudan’s ongoing civil war. In a statement, Blinken said, “The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys — even infants — on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence.” He added that the atrocities also include denying civilians access to lifesaving humanitarian aid and targeting individuals fleeing the violence.

Secretary Blinken also described the war as a conflict of unmitigated brutality that has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe. According to the United Nations, Over 638,000 people face famine; 30 million require aid, and tens of thousands have died because of the war.

Digging Deeper: In addition to sanctioning Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa (Hemedti), the US imposed sanctions on seven companies linked to the RSF and one individual for their roles in financing and equipping the paramilitary group. These include Capital Tap Holding L.L.C., a UAE-based conglomerate that facilitated financial transactions and provided military equipment to the RSF, along with its subsidiaries, such as Capital Tap General Trading L.L.C. and Creative Python L.L.C., which helped obscure the RSF’s illicit financial operations. Al Zumoroud and Al Yaqoot Gold & Jewellers L.L.C. (AZ Gold) were also sanctioned for purchasing Sudanese gold and channeling proceeds to fund RSF activities, while Al Jil Al Qadem General Trading L.L.C. managed accounts critical to the group’s operations. These measures block the assets of the entities and individuals, prevent their involvement in U.S.-based financial systems, and aim to sever the RSF’s ability to fund and sustain its operations.

Treasury reacts: In a statement, Treasury Department’s Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo said, “The United States continues to call for an end to this conflict that is putting innocent civilian lives in jeopardy. The Treasury Department remains committed to using every tool available to hold accountable those responsible for violating the human rights of the Sudanese people.”