US Calls for Action on Arms to Sudan's RSF

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for international measures to cease weapons supplies to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This appeal follows reports of civilian deaths in el-Fasher.

G7 Meeting and Allegations

Speaking at the conclusion of a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada, Rubio stated that the RSF had engaged in systematic acts, including murder, rape, and sexual violence against civilians. The Sudanese army has accused the United Arab Emirates of providing support to the RSF with weapons and mercenaries, allegedly routed through other African nations. The UAE has consistently denied these claims. The RSF has been in conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, when a power struggle between their leaders escalated into a civil war.

Situation in El-Fasher

El-Fasher was reportedly captured by the RSF last month following an 18-month siege, thereby extending their control to all cities in the western Darfur region. During the discussions near Niagara Falls, Rubio asserted that women and children had been subjected to severe acts by the RSF in el-Fasher. He stated that the US would work to end the situation and encouraged partner nations to participate in these efforts.

US Assessment and Humanitarian Concern

Rubio dismissed the RSF's explanation that the events were attributable to rogue elements, characterizing the attacks as systematic. Responding to inquiries about the scope of the reported events, he indicated that the US was concerned that thousands of individuals expected to evacuate el-Fasher might be deceased or too severely malnourished to relocate. He further noted that the RSF, lacking independent arms manufacturing capabilities, depended on external support, and urged supplying nations to cease these provisions. A joint G7 statement also denounced the escalating violence in Sudan, identifying the conflict as having initiated "the world's largest humanitarian crisis."