US Imposes Sanctions on Al-Qoni Hamdan Dagalo
In a significant move, the US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Al-Qoni Hamdan Dagalo Musa, the brother of the notorious commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti. The sanctions, announced on October 8, 2024, are a direct response to Al-Qoni's involvement in activities that have exacerbated the ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly through the procurement of weapons and military supplies for the RSF.
Al-Qoni's Role in the Sudan Conflict
The US Treasury's statement highlighted that Al-Qoni's actions have directly fueled the war and the severe atrocities committed by the RSF against civilians. This includes the ongoing siege of El Fasher in North Darfur, a city that is home to nearly two million people. The sanctions also reflect a broader condemnation of the RSF's violent actions, which have led to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. Al-Qoni, who serves as a major in the RSF, operates Tradiv General Trading Limited, a company based in the UAE that has been implicated in supplying vehicles modified for military use during RSF operations.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that approximately 21,000 people have lost their lives, and around 10 million have been displaced or turned into refugees as a result of the violence. The situation continues to deteriorate, with international calls mounting for an end to the hostilities to prevent further famine and suffering among the Sudanese population. The fighting has now spread to 13 of Sudan's 18 states, exacerbating food shortages and threatening the lives of millions.
