WASHINGTON – The Biden administration has determined that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group is committing genocide in the country and announced sanctions against the group’s leader. The conflict, which started nearly two years ago, has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and is currently considered the world’s largest humanitarian disaster.

“Amid a horrific human tragedy, support for the people of Sudan, millions of whom are facing displacement, starvation, and disease, has been woefully insufficient,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, Executive Director for North America at The ONE Campaign. “This declaration, and the subsequent sanctions, demonstrate just how dire the situation in Sudan has become.

“The people of Sudan, who led peaceful protests in 2019 demanding a democratic future, should be entrusted with the future of their nation. We urge the incoming administration and Congress to devote more attention to the humanitarian crisis and forge a pathway for a peaceful solution for the people of Sudan.”

Background

More than 11 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing violence, forcing them to relocate within Sudan or flee to neighboring countries. Catastrophic floods and droughts have decimated crops and livestock supply, contributing to a worsening hunger crisis. 24 million people in Sudan are acutely food insecure, and famine has been confirmed in five areas throughout the country. 90% of the country’s schools have been destroyed or are otherwise inaccessible, rendering 19 million children unable to access an education.