In a shocking revelation, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been confirmed of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing in Sudan. The outbreak of violence on April 15 has unleashed a torrent of horror, leaving a trail of death and destruction across the country, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of this needless conflict.

Detainees have been subjected to abuse, while some have reportedly lost their lives within SAF and RSF detention sites. The RSF and their allied militias have instilled terror among women and girls through sexual violence, with horrific accounts emerging of them being attacked in their own homes, kidnapped from the streets, or as they attempt to flee to safety across the border.

The gravity of the situation is reminiscent of the genocide that took place nearly two decades ago in Darfur. Disturbingly, survivors of that genocide are now being targeted again, as violence is indiscriminately unleashed upon their communities. The Masalit, in particular, have become victims of a merciless hunt, with their homes burned to the ground and verbal declarations suggesting they have no place in Sudan.

Following a meticulous analysis of the law and available facts, the State Department has made a determination that members of the SAF and the RSF are responsible for war crimes. Additionally, members of the RSF and their allied militias have been found guilty of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

The expansion of this needless conflict has resulted in grave human suffering. Urgent action is required, and the SAF and the RSF must immediately cease hostilities, comply with international humanitarian and human rights law, and ensure accountability for those behind the atrocities. Furthermore, they must honor their commitments to allow the flow of unhindered humanitarian assistance and establish confidence-building measures towards a sustainable end to the conflict. The continuation of arms and funding to the warring parties only serves to prolong a conflict with no viable military solution.

This determination by the State Department lends force and urgency to both African and international efforts aimed at ending the violence, addressing the severe humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, and seeking justice for the victims and affected communities that have long suffered under a cloud of impunity. It is essential to acknowledge that this determination does not exclude the possibility of future determinations, as additional information about the actions of the parties involved unfolds.

The United States is firmly committed to building on this determination and utilizing all available tools to bring an end to this conflict, putting a stop to the atrocities and abuses that are depriving the Sudanese people of their freedom, peace, and justice.