Escalating Conflict in Sudan Reveals Atrocities by RSF and SAF Amid Foreign Intervention
May 25, 2025 | Foreign Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on May 25, 2025, to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, marked by severe violence and human rights abuses. The meeting highlighted the ongoing atrocities committed by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), with a focus on the systematic targeting of ethnic groups and civilians.
Key discussions centered on the RSF's actions in West Darfur, where they have reportedly committed acts of genocide against the Mas'ali ethnic group. The RSF has also been accused of running campaigns of terror, including sexual violence and slavery, particularly against men and boys based on their ethnic identity. Meanwhile, the SAF has engaged in indiscriminate bombings, often targeting civilian populations, with reports of chemical weapon usage emerging.
The committee noted the troubling trend of impunity that has allowed these atrocities to persist without accountability. This culture of impunity has been exacerbated by a surge in arms supplies, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, which has facilitated a "gold for weapons" pipeline since April 2023. Reports indicate that flights delivering military supplies to the RSF have increased, with transit points identified in Northern Somalia and Somaliland.
The meeting also addressed the involvement of foreign powers in the conflict, particularly the UAE, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Tensions have escalated, with direct confrontations reported between Turkish drone operators and UAE forces in Sudan, indicating a dangerous escalation of the conflict that could destabilize the broader Horn of Africa region.
Committee members emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to the conflict, advocating for agreements that encompass local, national, and international levels. They stressed the importance of transitioning Sudan towards civilian governance to prevent further violence and competition for power through armed conflict.
In conclusion, the committee underscored that the resolution of this crisis hinges on addressing the underlying issues of justice and reform. The future of Sudan remains uncertain, with the potential for either a path towards stability or continued cycles of violence and impunity.
Key discussions centered on the RSF's actions in West Darfur, where they have reportedly committed acts of genocide against the Mas'ali ethnic group. The RSF has also been accused of running campaigns of terror, including sexual violence and slavery, particularly against men and boys based on their ethnic identity. Meanwhile, the SAF has engaged in indiscriminate bombings, often targeting civilian populations, with reports of chemical weapon usage emerging.
The committee noted the troubling trend of impunity that has allowed these atrocities to persist without accountability. This culture of impunity has been exacerbated by a surge in arms supplies, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, which has facilitated a "gold for weapons" pipeline since April 2023. Reports indicate that flights delivering military supplies to the RSF have increased, with transit points identified in Northern Somalia and Somaliland.
The meeting also addressed the involvement of foreign powers in the conflict, particularly the UAE, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Tensions have escalated, with direct confrontations reported between Turkish drone operators and UAE forces in Sudan, indicating a dangerous escalation of the conflict that could destabilize the broader Horn of Africa region.
Committee members emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to the conflict, advocating for agreements that encompass local, national, and international levels. They stressed the importance of transitioning Sudan towards civilian governance to prevent further violence and competition for power through armed conflict.
In conclusion, the committee underscored that the resolution of this crisis hinges on addressing the underlying issues of justice and reform. The future of Sudan remains uncertain, with the potential for either a path towards stability or continued cycles of violence and impunity.
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