Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Wednesday strongly rejected new U.S. sanctions targeting their leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and denounced the U.S. State Department’s accusations of genocide as politically motivated and baseless.
The sanctions, imposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the State Department, accuse Dagalo and his RSF of destabilizing Sudan and hindering the country’s democratic transition. The U.S. also linked the RSF to allegations of genocide—claims the group vehemently denies.
In a statement, the RSF condemned the sanctions as unjust, arguing that the U.S. had made these decisions without an independent investigation into the root causes of Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The group insists that the conflict, which erupted after the 2021 coup, was sparked by Sudanese army leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s military forces (SAF) and elements of the Islamic Movement, not by the RSF.
The RSF also criticized the U.S. for targeting them under an executive order aimed at stabilizing Sudan’s political process, while exempting General al-Burhan’s forces SAF from similar measures. The RSF and international aid organizations have repeatedly accused the SAF of obstructing peace efforts and exacerbating Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
The group rejected the notion that it was engaged in a violent struggle with the SAF over power, stating that it was the SAF, supported by Islamist factions, that had initiated the violent clash.
The RSF also dismissed the U.S. genocide claims as vague and lacking substantiation, pointing out that the term “genocide” under international law refers to crimes committed against specific national, ethnic, racial, or religious groups—a description they argue does not apply to the current situation in Sudan.
The RSF further criticized the U.S. for overlooking atrocities allegedly committed by the SAF, including aerial bombings, torture of prisoners, and violations of ceasefire agreements. They accused the U.S. of rewarding those refusing to end the war while punishing those striving for peace.
Despite the sanctions, the RSF reaffirmed its commitment to ending the conflict and addressing Sudan’s political and economic imbalances. The group reiterated its dedication to Sudan’s democratic transition and national reconciliation, calling for a comprehensive political solution to achieve long-term peace and justice.
Highlighting its role in Sudan’s political evolution, the RSF emphasized its leader’s involvement in the removal of former dictator Omar al-Bashir, thwarting the 2021 coup, and advocating for peace. The group renewed its call for a political solution that addresses the root causes of Sudan’s crisis and promotes social justice for all communities.