EU sanctions RSF deputy Abdelrahim Dagalo over Sudan war crimes

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
Today 01:09

The EU sanctions the RSF's Abdelrahim Dagalo over war crimes in Sudan, warning of more measures amid ongoing civilian atrocities.

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Smoke is seen in Khartoum, Sudan, Saturday, April 22, 2023. (AP)

The European Union announced on Thursday that it has imposed new restrictive measures on Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, deputy commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Dagalo is accused of responsibility for serious violations and ongoing atrocities against civilians.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc "condemns the deliberate targeting of civilians, ethnically motivated killings, and systematic sexual violence by the Rapid Support Forces." She added that such violations "may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity."

The sanctions against Dagalo include a travel ban across EU member states and the freezing of his financial assets. The EU also reiterated its readiness to impose additional sanctions if necessary, targeting individuals or entities that destabilize Sudan or obstruct its political transition.

EU’s call for accountability

In its official statement, the EU underscored the importance of accountability for crimes committed during the conflict. The bloc expressed its full support for mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court and the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission, which are tasked with documenting and investigating these violations.

The EU emphasized that the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid must not be contingent on a ceasefire. It called for the establishment of safe corridors for civilians and urged the facilitation of continuous access and permits for humanitarian organizations to reach conflict-affected areas.

Separately, the EU Council announced the extension of its restrictive measures for an additional year, through October 10, 2026. The updated sanctions list includes ten individuals and eight entities suspected of cooperating with the Rapid Support Forces or contributing to instability in the country.

RSF's history of violating human rights

The RSF have been widely accused of committing systematic human rights violations since the outbreak of conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on April 15, 2023. Reports from humanitarian organizations and eyewitness accounts have pointed to deliberate attacks on civilians, mass killings, and widespread sexual violence, particularly in El Fasher and in the Darfur region.

One of the most harrowing incidents occurred in June 2023 in West Darfur, where RSF fighters and allied militias carried out what has been described as an ethnic massacre targeting the Masalit community in Geneina. Entire neighborhoods were razed, and hundreds of civilians, including women and children, were reportedly executed or burned alive in their homes.

These acts drew condemnation from the United Nations and rights groups, who warned that the atrocities may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.