The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo due to his leadership of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), an entity responsible for acts of violence and human rights abuses, including massacres, ethnic killings and sexual violence, according to a Sept. 6 news release.
“Today’s action demonstrates Treasury’s commitment to hold accountable those responsible for serious and extensive human rights abuses in Sudan,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in the release. “The United States urges both sides of the conflict to cease the hostilities and violence perpetuating Sudan’s dire humanitarian crisis.”
Since the commencement of hostilities between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces April 15, both sides have failed to initiate a ceasefire, and there have been substantial allegations of widespread human rights abuses committed by the RSF and allied militias in Darfur and other regions, the release reported.
The U.S. firmly stands with the Sudanese people and opposes those who perpetrate human rights violations and destabilize the region. These actions further reaffirm the U.S.' dedication to promoting accountability for individuals involved in sexual violence during conflicts, aligning with the Presidential Memorandum signed by President Joe Biden in November 2022, the release said.
Dagalo, a prominent figure within the RSF and the brother of RSF Commander Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been subject to sanctions under Executive Order 14098. This designation results from his status as a foreign individual who currently or previously held a leadership, official, senior executive or board member position within the RSF, an entity that has engaged in actions or policies jeopardizing Sudan's peace, security or stability during his tenure, the release reported.
The designation also pertains to his role as a foreign person who has occupied leadership, official, senior executive or board member positions within the RSF, an entity responsible for targeting women, children and other civilians through acts of violence such as killing, maiming, torture or rape, as well as abductions, forced displacement or assaults on educational institutions, medical facilities, places of worship or areas where civilians seek refuge, the release said.
These actions constitute serious abuses or violations of human rights and breaches of international humanitarian law during his tenure in these leadership roles, according to the release.
