US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is urging world powers to act decisively to halt the supply of weapons to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing the paramilitary group of orchestrating widespread atrocities in el-Fasher and across Darfur.
Speaking at the close of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, Rubio condemned the RSF for what he described as systematic murder, rape and sexual violence targeting civilians during Sudan’s two-year civil war.
The Sudanese army has long accused the United Arab Emirates of being the RSF’s main backer, allegedly funnelling weapons and foreign fighters through neighbouring African countries. Both the UAE and the RSF deny the claims.
War Enters Deadlier Phase
The conflict erupted in April 2023 after a power struggle between Sudan’s military chief and the RSF’s commander spiralled into a nationwide war.
Last month, after an 18-month siege, the RSF seized el-Fasher, their final target in Darfur’s major cities—solidifying control over the entire region.
Satellite images show scenes described as “mass killing grounds”: bodies scattered in the open and blood-soaked earth visible from space. Non-Arab communities across Darfur are being targeted in what the US and aid organisations call genocide.
Rubio said the brutality has reached extremes.
“They’re committing horrifying atrocities against women, children and innocent civilians,” he said. “It has to stop immediately, and we’re pushing partner nations to join this effort.”
Pressure on Regional Powers—But No Direct Reproach
Despite media investigations and UN findings pointing to the UAE’s role in supplying arms, Rubio refrained from naming Abu Dhabi directly.
Washington is working on peace efforts alongside the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia—a diplomatic group known as the Quad.
Rubio hinted, however, that the US is aware of who is enabling the flow of weapons.
“We know which parties are involved… that’s why they’re part of the Quad,” he said.
In September, the Quad proposed a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a transition to civilian rule. The RSF only agreed after capturing el-Fasher, prompting accusations they used negotiations to buy time.
RSF Denies Blame, Accuses Army Instead
The RSF rejected Rubio’s remarks, calling them biased and insisting they receive no external support.
They accused the army—aligned with the “terrorist Islamic Movement,” in their words—of blocking ceasefire efforts.
They also claimed the US has not responded to their truce acceptance.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Deepens
The G7’s joint statement described the Sudan conflict as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
150,000+ people killed
12 million displaced
Arms traced to Serbia, Russia, China, Turkey, Yemen, and the UAE
A leaked UN report details smuggling routes believed to run from the UAE through Chad into Darfur, where the RSF reportedly sells illicit gold to fund its operations.
Rubio noted that support comes not only from arms suppliers but also from countries allowing their territory to be used for transport.
He also suggested Iran may be supplying the Sudanese army—a claim all sides deny.
Concerns Over Western Weapons
Two weeks ago, the UK government faced questions from lawmakers after allegations that British-made weapons had ended up in RSF hands.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper insisted the UK maintains strict export controls.
Despite a UN arms embargo on Darfur since 2004, the ban has not been expanded to cover the rest of Sudan, something humanitarian groups say is long overdue.