The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on three commanders of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their involvement in atrocities during the 18-month siege and capture of El-Fasher, North Darfur. The RSF is accused of committing widespread violence, including ethnic killings, torture, starvation, and sexual violence since Sudan’s civil war began in April 2023.
“The United States calls on the Rapid Support Forces to commit to a humanitarian ceasefire immediately. We will not tolerate this ongoing campaign of terror and senseless killing in Sudan,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Without a swift end, Sudan’s civil war risks further destabilizing the region, creating conditions for terrorist groups to grow and threaten the safety and interests of the United States.”
These sanctions follow similar actions by the United Kingdom and European Union, who designated these individuals in December 2025 and January 2026 respectively. The conflict between RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has led to what is described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with more than 150,000 killed and over 14 million displaced.
Between May 2024 and October 2025, RSF forces besieged El-Fasher—the last SAF stronghold in Darfur—cutting off aid by constructing barriers around the city. This trapped about 260,000 civilians inside, causing outbreaks of disease and famine. Reports indicate that RSF fighters engaged in summary executions, torture, sexual violence targeting people based on ethnicity or tribal identity regardless of age or gender, as well as massacres against those fleeing or seeking refuge.
After capturing El-Fasher on October 26th, RSF fighters allegedly increased systematic killings and detentions while attempting to destroy evidence by disposing bodies en masse. Tens of thousands remain missing from El-Fasher.
Elfateh Abdullah Idris Adam (“Abu Lulu”), an RSF brigadier general who filmed himself killing unarmed civilians in El-Fasher while boasting about it online, was among those sanctioned. He also interrogated captives about their tribal background before executing them at close range. Although reportedly arrested by his own group for human rights abuses after these events—a move believed staged—he is linked to similar acts elsewhere in Sudan.
Gedo Hamdan Ahmed Mohamed (“Abu Shok”), an RSF major general commanding North Darfur since 2021; and Tijani Ibrahim Moussa Mohamed (“Al Zeir Salem”), an RSF field commander; were also sanctioned for their leadership roles during which numerous documented massacres occurred alongside abductions and other abuses.
Idris was designated under Executive Order (E.O.) 14098 for direct involvement in violent acts against civilians including women and children; Gedo and Tijani were designated under E.O. 14098 due to their leadership roles within an entity responsible for threatening peace or stability in Sudan.
As a result of these sanctions all property belonging to these individuals within U.S. jurisdiction is blocked. Entities owned at least fifty percent by them are similarly affected. U.S persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions involving such property unless authorized by OFAC.
Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. nationals and foreigners; financial institutions engaging with blocked persons may also be exposed to risk under U.S law governing economic sanctions enforcement programs administered by OFAC.
The stated goal behind OFAC’s sanctions regime is behavioral change rather than punishment: “The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.” Guidance exists for individuals seeking removal from sanction lists through official petitions.
