Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has strongly criticized the United States’ imposition of sanctions against two of its leaders, denouncing them as “unjust and astonishing.”
On Wednesday, the US enforced financial sanctions on RSF’s deputy leader, Abdel Rahim Dagalo, and imposed a travel ban on the group’s commander in West Darfur state, Gen Abdul Rahman Juma, citing alleged human rights abuses as the reason.
Both Mr. Dagalo and Gen Juma vehemently denied these accusations from the US, describing them as “false and misleading.”
In a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday, the RSF expressed its deep dissatisfaction with the US sanctions, characterizing them as “stunning, regrettable, and inequitable.” The RSF argued that these sanctions would not contribute to one of the primary goals, which is to seek a comprehensive solution to the crisis in Sudan.
The group further accused the US of turning a blind eye to “atrocious crimes” committed by Sudan’s regular army, including indiscriminate bombings of civilian areas and the mistreatment of anti-war activists.
The paramilitary organization contended that these sanctions would only complicate the efforts led by the US to establish lasting peace in Sudan. Additionally, it’s worth noting that in June, Washington also imposed sanctions on companies owned by various warring factions within the Sudanese military.