WASHINGTON—Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken today seeking additional information about U.S. strategies for atrocity prevention and justice in Sudan. The signers specifically ask the status of the Department’s efforts to make atrocity determinations and its impact on U.S. policy.

The letter is also signed by Reps. Alma Adams, Kamlager-Dove, McGovern, Grijalva, Stansbury, Magaziner, Watson Coleman, and Bush.

“We are writing to express our ongoing grave concerns about the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan,” the Members wrote. “We are particularly disturbed by significant and growing allegations of mass atrocities committed by the so-called Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur. Although credible reports have implicated both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in war crimes and instances of severe civilian harm, it also seems clear that the RSF has borne responsibility for the majority of the atrocities committed since the outbreak of fighting in April.”

“Members of Congress have been clear that we support accountability for atrocity crimes committed in Sudan and elsewhere, and we stand prepared to take legislative action as necessary to ensure a civilian-led transition in Sudan includes significant mechanisms for justice for the victims of atrocities dating back decades,” they added. “The dream of civilian-led Sudanese government cannot be achieved without such measures.”

The letter comes after 50 organizations called on the Biden Administration to make an atrocity determination in Sudan and take concrete actions to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities late last week.

The conflict in Sudan that began in April has gotten steadily more brutal over recent weeks, with international experts ringing the alarm about a possible recurrence of genocide in Darfur. According to international observers, thousands have been killed just this month, with tens of thousands fleeing across Sudan’s borders. Credible accusations of sexual violence, targeted killings, and torture against ethnic minorities have persisted.

Read more: omar.house.gov

Photo: omar.house.gov