Palmetto State News

U.S. Senators Tim Scott, Jim Risch, Ben Cardin, and Cory Booker have introduced a resolution in the Senate recognizing the actions of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militia in the Darfur region of Sudan as acts of genocide. The resolution aims to shed light on the horrific acts of terror being committed against non-Arab ethnic communities in Darfur.

Senator Tim Scott expressed his concern over the Biden administration's refusal to acknowledge these atrocities as genocide, stating, "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."

Ranking Member Jim Risch emphasized the urgency of the situation, drawing parallels to the genocide that took place in Darfur twenty years ago. He said, "For the last 10 months, the RSF have carried out unspeakable horrors in Sudan, including the elimination of non-Arab peoples in Darfur. Tragically, history repeats itself and now we must do the same."

Chairman Ben Cardin condemned the RSF and allied forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo, for their heinous actions in Darfur. He urged African leaders to take swift action in condemning these crimes and establishing means to protect civilians from further atrocities. Cardin also called on the Biden Administration to appoint a High Level Special Envoy to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and find a diplomatic solution.

Senator Cory Booker highlighted the need for justice and accountability for the victims of these atrocities. He stressed the importance of working towards a sustainable peace that prioritizes the well-being of Sudanese civilians, 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."

The RSF has been engaged in a ruthless conflict with the Sudan Armed Forces since April 2023, aiming to gain control of the country. During this time, they have targeted non-Arab ethnic communities, including the Masalit, Fur, and Zaghawa, in Darfur. Secretary of State Blinken determined on December 6, 2023, that the RSF and allied militia had engaged in crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes.

The introduction of this resolution by Senators Scott, Risch, Cardin, and Booker underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to bring an end to the conflict in Sudan and the genocide in Darfur. The world must unite to protect the lives of innocent civilians and demand justice for the victims of these horrific acts.