US bipartisan senators condemn atrocities in Sudan, urge terrorist designation for Rapid Support Forces

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - A bipartisan group of US senators on Friday condemned the violence in Sudan and demanded tougher action against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

"We are horrified by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, and the genocide in Darfur perpetuated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias," Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch, ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Tim Scott, Chris Coons, Todd Young and Cory Booker, said in a statement.

"The RSF’s long-predicted ethnically targeted assault on the civilian population of El-Fasher makes clear that the United States must consider the designation of the RSF as a potential Foreign Terrorist Organization or Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, while establishing clear authorizations and mechanisms for the continued delivery of humanitarian aid."

The lawmakers condemned the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for their roles in perpetuating the nearly three-year civil war, which has displaced millions and destabilized the wider region.

"Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have committed atrocities against civilians and pursued a zero-sum war at any cost," they wrote.

"Foreign backers of the RSF and SAF–including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia, Iran, China and governments in the immediate region–have fueled and profited from the conflict and legitimized the monsters destroying Sudan," they added.

The senators warned that the war poses a direct threat to US national security and global economic stability, citing Sudan’s strategic position on the Red Sea and its history as a "haven" for extremist groups.

"Achieving a sustainable ceasefire, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and securing safe corridors for civilians across Sudan is paramount," they said, urging warring parties and foreign backers to work with the US and its partners to end "this catastrophic war immediately."

The senators voiced support for renewed US-led diplomatic efforts through the 'Quad' framework, which includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, emphasizing the need for Sudanese civilian representation in peace talks.

"Ensuring meaningful participation by Sudanese civilians will strengthen future efforts and give legitimacy to any lasting peace," said the senators.

Sudan has been ravaged by a civil war between the army and the paramilitary (RSF) since April 2023, causing thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.

El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, fell under the control of RSF on Sunday after months of a siege.

Rights groups have accused the RSF of committing mass killings, detaining people and attacking hospitals.