Boise City Wire

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), along with Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), have introduced a resolution recognizing the actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militia in the Darfur region of Sudan against non-Arab ethnic communities as acts of genocide.

"The United States must do all it can to bring an end to the conflict in Sudan and the genocide in Darfur. This includes holding the belligerents accountable and supporting the needs of the Sudanese people and their efforts to lead their country," said Senator Risch.

Senator Cardin highlighted the atrocities committed by the RSF and allied forces, stating, "This tragic repeat of history must not go unpunished. Hemedti and those who support his forces must be held accountable. I urge African leaders to act swiftly at this week’s African Union Summit to condemn these crimes and to come to an agreement on establishing a means to protect civilians from further atrocities."

Senator Scott expressed his concern for the civilians in Darfur, saying, "Civilians in Darfur are being raped and murdered in ruthless, ethnically targeted attacks by the RSF, and the Biden administration shamefully refuses to call these atrocities against an African minority what they are – genocide."

Senator Booker emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "The conditions that enabled genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region nearly 20 years ago were never fully resolved, and the unfathomable horrors that have recently been committed there by the RSF and its allied militias against the Masalit and other ethnic minorities require us to speak out, demand justice and accountability for victims, and begin working towards a sustainable peace."

Since April 2023, the RSF has been engaged in conflict with the Sudan Armed Forces to gain control of the country. During this time, the RSF has targeted non-Arab ethnic communities, including the Masalit, Fur, and Zaghawa, in Darfur. This echoes the genocide that occurred in Darfur in 2003. On December 6, 2023, Secretary of State Blinken determined that the RSF and allied militia had engaged in crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing, while both the RSF and SAF had committed war crimes since the start of the conflict.

The resolution introduced by Senators Risch, Cardin, Scott, and Booker aims to bring attention to the ongoing genocide in Sudan and to hold the perpetrators accountable. It calls for immediate action to protect civilians and to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The international community must unite to put an end to the tragedy unfolding in Darfur and ensure that human rights are respected and humanitarian aid can reach those in need.