Al-Yurae- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Urges Immediate International Action to Halt Arms Flow to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, Hints at Possible Terrorist Designation
In a forceful appeal to the international community, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for urgent global measures to block the flow of weapons to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), holding the militia primarily responsible for the escalating bloodshed and humanitarian disaster unfolding in Sudan. Addressing reporters following the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Canada on Wednesday, Rubio warned that inaction would further deepen the crisis and allowed for the possibility that the RSF could soon be designated a terrorist organization.
Rubio did not mince words in describing the severity of the situation:
“I believe we need to take steps to stop the weapons and support reaching the Rapid Support Forces, especially as they continue their military advances on the ground,” he said. “We know exactly which parties are providing this support, including some member states of the so-called ‘Quad.’ We will press them at every level of our government. Weapons are arriving not only directly from states but also through countries allowing transit,” Rubio explained, referencing the regional coalition intended to mediate Sudan’s conflict.
The Secretary also questioned the RSF’s sincerity in agreeing to ceasefires, saying, “They continue to commit violations and claim that ‘rogue elements’ are to blame. These are not rogue actors; these are systematic abuses. We cannot allow the Quad to become a shield for any party,” Rubio added, stressing the immediate scale of the disaster: “What we are dealing with now is a real catastrophe.”
Rubio shared alarming accounts from humanitarian organizations, reporting unprecedented levels of malnutrition and suffering among those who have managed to flee the violence. “What’s even more worrying is that aid agencies have not registered as many refugees as expected—because so many may be dead, sick, or too exhausted to move,” he said, describing the situation as horrific and worsening by the day.
Rubio revealed that the U.S. and international partners have been working intensively since July and August using the Quad mechanism to address the crisis, warning that the risk of Sudan becoming a breeding ground for jihadist and terrorist activity was growing. “But the solution is not an all-out war where civilians are literally targeted for rape, sexual violence, and murder. This, unfortunately, is happening right now,” said Rubio.
He stressed the United States’ determination to use every means available to stop RSF abuses and encouraged partner countries to join in. He also sternly warned parties participating in the Quad talks not to use it as a “shield”—demanding rapid, practical results to avert even greater tragedy.
Rubio also addressed the question of officially designating the RSF as a terrorist group. “If it would help stop what’s happening, we would support it. I haven’t reviewed the proposal yet, although some senators have discussed it with me months ago. But in the end, we want just one thing—this must end.”
He harshly criticized the RSF for believing they are “winning,” accusing them of not only waging war but also carrying out “horrific atrocities: sexual violence, assaults on women and children, innocent civilians in the most appalling ways. This must end immediately.”
The Secretary pointedly mentioned the need for countries facilitating arms shipments to the RSF to face consequences, stating, “We know who they are, and we will be engaging them to make them understand this will seriously harm their international reputations if it is not stopped.” Rubio also indicated that Iranian involvement is likely at least in terms of financial and arms transfers, emphasizing that the RSF’s ability to sustain the conflict depends entirely on outside support.
The G7’s final statement echoed the U.S. position, jointly condemning the escalation of violence in Sudan and expressing particular alarm over documented acts of sexual violence and violations of humanitarian law. Editorials in major international outlets have noted that Rubio’s statements signal not only a readiness for tougher action but also reflect a mounting sense of urgency among world powers about the trajectory of the Sudan conflict and the threat it poses to regional stability
