U.S. Senators Condemn Ongoing Violence and Genocide in Sudan, Urge Stronger Actions

WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), the Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Todd Young (R-ID), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), issued a joint statement condemning the brutal civil war and ongoing genocide in Sudan.

Call for Designation of the Rapid Support Forces as Terrorists

The senators expressed their horror at the violence, specifically pointing to the recent ethnically targeted assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on civilians in El-Fasher. They emphasized that the United States should consider designating the RSF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization. They also highlighted the need for establishing clear mechanisms to ensure continued humanitarian assistance amidst the chaos.

A Devastating Conflict Fuelled by Foreign Actors

The statement highlighted that Sudan’s civil war, now in its third year, has wrought devastation across the country, shattering societal structures and destabilizing the region. Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are accused of committing atrocities against civilians, with combatants pursuing a destructive, zero-sum conflict. The senators also criticized external actors—including the UAE, Russia, Iran, China, and regional governments—for fueling and profiting from the conflict, lending legitimization to the factions responsible for widespread atrocities.

National Security and Regional Stability at Risk

The senators warned that the conflict in Sudan poses a significant threat to U.S. national security and the global economy. With Sudan’s strategic location on the Red Sea, the country is vital for international trade and energy flows. Additionally, its history as a sanctuary for terrorists like Osama Bin Laden, coupled with the illicit trade of arms and gold, and the movement of fighters across borders, represents ongoing threats.

They called for urgent actions, including securing a sustainable ceasefire, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and creating safe corridors for civilians. The statement urged all parties to collaborate with the U.S. and international partners to end the war swiftly.

Support for Diplomatic Efforts

The senators praised the U.S.-led “Quad” diplomacy involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as critical steps toward peace. They stressed the importance of good-faith negotiations and the meaningful inclusion of Sudanese civilians to strengthen future peace efforts and lend legitimacy to any lasting resolution.

Background

The conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, and has since resulted in one of the worst and most underreported humanitarian crises worldwide. The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”), continues a genocidal campaign against non-Arab communities reminiscent of the atrocities committed during the 2003 Darfur genocide. The SAF and allied militias, including Islamist factions, have also targeted civilians through starvation, chemical attacks, and other brutalities, further destabilizing the region.