US Secretary Rubio calls for cutting weapons to Sudan's RSF

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for decisive international action to disrupt weapons supplies to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces amid rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Speaking Wednesday following G7 foreign ministers' discussions in Niagara, Canada, Rubio asserted that "something needs to be done to cut off the weapons and support that the RSF is getting as they continue with their advances," while acknowledging Washington's coordination with regional partners including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

International Coordination and Diplomatic Approach

The secretary confirmed ongoing collaborative efforts with key Middle Eastern nations to apply pressure on relevant parties, though he deliberately avoided public identification of specific weapons suppliers during his press conference remarks. Rubio emphasized his preference for achieving constructive outcomes rather than public accusations, stating "I don't want to get into calling anybody out in a press conference today, because what we want is a good outcome here. This needs to stop," while nonetheless confirming the RSF receives external assistance requiring termination.

Humanitarian Crisis and Systematic Violations

Characterizing Sudan's situation as "horrifying," Rubio cited humanitarian organization reports describing unprecedented malnutrition levels and suffering among displaced populations. The secretary accused the RSF of systematically violating agreements and committing atrocities, noting the paramilitary force "agrees to things and never follows through with it," creating insurmountable obstacles for humanitarian access and conflict resolution efforts in the strategically important African nation.

Conflict Context and Regional Implications

The violent confrontation between Sudan's national army and the RSF paramilitary, commencing in April 2023, has resulted in at least 40,000 fatalities and displaced approximately 12 million individuals according to World Health Organization estimates. The RSF recently solidified control over North Darfur's capital El-Fasher amid massacre allegations, granting the paramilitary dominion over all five Darfur states while the national army maintains control over most remaining territory including the capital Khartoum, creating complex regional dynamics that affect neighboring nations and international partners including Türkiye with its substantial humanitarian engagement in Africa.