January 9, 2025

United States designates RSF Commander and financial supporters of the conflict in Sudan

On January 7, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa (“Hemedti”), the Commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (“RSF”).  The RSF is one of two warring factions that has been battling for control of Sudan for nearly two years.  OFAC also designated Abu Dharr Abdul Nabi Habiballa Ahmmed (“Abu Dharr”) and seven companies under his ownership or control, for allegedly generating finances for the RSF and enabling the group to acquire military equipment to continue the conflict in Sudan.  According to the U.S. Department of State, the conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (“SAF”) has subjected 638,000 Sudanese to worst famine in Sudan’s recent history, left more than 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and tens of thousands dead.  OFAC further reported that the conflict has also displaced 12 million Sudanese people.  The RSF, while under Hemedti’s command, has also allegedly committed numerous documented war crimes and atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan, including acts of sexual violence and ethnically motivated killings.

OFAC imposed these designations pursuant to Executive Order 14098, which authorizes sanctions against individuals and entities that engage in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security and stability of Sudan.  As a result, all property and interests in property of the designees within the United States or within the possession or control of a U.S. person are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving  designated persons.  Entities owned 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.

U.S. Department of Treasury Press Release | U.S. Department of State Press Statement