Bank of Khartoum Denies Cooperation with Rapid Support Forces Amid Accusations

The Bank of Khartoum has responded to accusations of cooperating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The United States has voiced serious concern over credible reports that the RSF and its affiliated militias have razed multiple villages west of El Fasher and conducted indiscriminate aerial bombardments in the region.

The U.S. is calling on all armed forces in Sudan to immediately cease attacks in El Fasher and allow unhindered humanitarian access. The leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF are facing a choice between escalating the violence, which jeopardizes the unity of their country, or preparing in good faith for negotiations to end the war and restore power to the Sudanese people.

Why this matters: The escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region, threatens to cause widespread civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The international community is urging an end to the fighting and for the warring parties to engage in peace talks to settle the conflict and prevent further suffering.

The city of El Fasher, a key humanitarian hub in the Darfur region, has been relatively unaffected by the fighting between the SAF and RSF until recently. However, since mid-April 2024, bombardments and clashes have been reported in the city and surrounding villages. The breakdown of the fragile peace in El Fasher would be catastrophic, as the city serves as the main humanitarian hub in Darfur, which is home to around a quarter of Sudan's population.

The United States has condemned the reported indiscriminate aerial bombardments in the region by the SAF and the alleged razing of multiple villages west of El Fasher by the RSF and its affiliated militias. The U.S. warns that an offensive against the city would endanger civilians, including hundreds of thousands of displaced persons.

In response to the accusations, the Bank of Khartoum has denied any cooperation with the RSF. The bank's statement comes amidst the escalating violence and the looming threat of atrocities in the Darfur region.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. voices concern over RSF attacks in Darfur, calls for ceasefire and aid access.
• Escalating violence in Sudan threatens civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis.
• El Fasher, a key humanitarian hub, faces bombardments and clashes, risking catastrophe.
• U.S. warns offensive against El Fasher would endanger civilians, including displaced persons.
• Bank of Khartoum denies cooperation with RSF amid escalating violence in Darfur.