North Indy News

U.S. Senators Todd Young, Jim Risch, Jeanne Shaheen, Tim Scott, Chris Coons, and Cory Booker have issued a joint statement addressing the ongoing violence in Sudan. The senators expressed deep concern over the civil war and acts of genocide occurring in Darfur.

“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. 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.

“Now in its third year, Sudan’s civil war has devastated the country, shattered Sudanese society, and destabilized the region. Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have committed atrocities against civilians and pursued a zero-sum war at any cost. 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.

“This war poses grave risk to the United States. Sudan’s location on the Red Sea is vital for global trade and energy flows. The country’s history as a haven for terrorists like Osama Bin Laden, its facilitation of vast illicit flow of arms and gold, and the movement of fighters and civilians across its borders threaten U.S. national security and economic stability. Achieving a sustainable ceasefire, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and securing safe corridors for civilians across Sudan is paramount. The warring parties and their foreign backers must work with the United States and its partners to end this catastrophic war immediately.

“The U.S.-led “Quad” diplomacy (with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) is an important step that requires all parties to engage in good faith negotiations. Ensuring meaningful participation by Sudanese civilians will strengthen future efforts and give legitimacy to any lasting peace.”

The civil conflict began on April 15, 2023. Since then it has become one of today’s most severe but underreported humanitarian emergencies. The RSF—commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”)—has been accused of committing mass atrocities against non-Arab groups as well as perceived opponents. These actions continue patterns seen during earlier violence in Darfur two decades ago.

The SAF has also faced accusations for targeting civilians through methods such as starvation tactics or chemical attacks. Both sides’ actions have contributed to further instability within Sudan’s borders as well as neighboring regions.