Rubio’s remarks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the Rapid Support Forces of “systematic atrocities,” citing murder, rape and sexual violence against civilians in el-Fasher.

He urged partner governments to join a push to stem weapons flows to the paramilitary force, which seized the Darfur city after an 18-month siege.

Channelled pressure, he said, was necessary because the RSF “lacking its own arms manufacturing facilities, relied on outside support.”

UAE involvement in Sudan

Sudan’s army says that the United Arab Emirates has supplied arms and mercenaries via African transit points.

Rubio avoided directly naming Abu Dhabi, though he noted “we know who the parties are that are involved [in weapons supply].”

Rubio said women and children were specifically targeted, calling the violence “just horrifying atrocities… of the most horrific kind.” He dismissed the RSF’s claims that rogue elements carried out the killings, saying the attacks were systematic.

Asked about potential casualty figures, he warned that thousands expected to flee the city may be dead or too malnourished to move.

The crisis in Sudan

The UN-mandated experts’ leaked reporting describes smuggling routes running from the UAE through Chad into Darfur.

The G7 statement called the conflict “the world’s largest humanitarian crisis,” with more than 150,000 people killed and about 12 million displaced over two years.