Senators Shaheen, Booker Seek Information on Sanctioned RSF Commander’s Presence in the United States

WASHINGTON - Yesterday, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Cory Booker (D-NJ) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting information about the conditions under which a sanctioned senior commander of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was present in Washington, D.C. in October 2025. In the letter, the Senators underscore the Committee's condemnation of the RSF's campaign of atrocities in Sudan and question why an individual sanctioned for those atrocities would be allowed into the United States. While the Senators support diplomatic efforts to broker a humanitarian ceasefire and bring an end to the conflict in Sudan, sanctioned individuals should not be allowed to continue business as usual in our nation's capital.

"We write to request information about the conditions under which Algoney Hamdan Dagalo Musa (Algoney) was in Washington, D.C. in October 2025," wrote the Senators. "As you know, Algoney is a senior commander of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), procurement director of the militia, and brother of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (commonly referred to as "Hemedti"). The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Algoney in 2024 for his leadership role in the RSF's campaign of atrocities and forced displacement across Sudan."

"The State Department hosted a meeting on October 24, of 'the Quad', composed of the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)," continued the Senators. "This meeting featured direct engagements with representatives from the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) aimed at advancing peace and stability in Sudan. We understand that Algoney was in Washington, D.C. to represent the RSF at these Quad talks. However, Algoney reportedly remained in Washington after the conclusion of the Quad discussions, notably while the RSF was systematically massacring civilians in El Fasher, West Darfur, and preventing their escape from the city. Photos of Algoney socializing at the Waldorf Astoria, a five-star hotel, and walking on the streets of Washington, D.C. circulated social media from October 26-28."

"Unless authorized, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit a designated person from engaging with the U.S. economy," concluded the Senators. "Given the breadth and severity of OFAC restrictions, we request information about the conditions under which Algoney entered the United States, whether those conditions were adhered to, and any accommodations made to facilitate his stay in Washington."

Full text of the letters to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are available HERE, HERE and HERE and provided below.

We write to request information about the conditions under which Algoney Hamdan Dagalo Musa (Algoney) was in Washington, D.C. in October 2025. As you know, Algoney is a senior commander of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), procurement director of the militia, and brother of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (commonly referred to as "Hemedti"). The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Algoney in 2024 for his leadership role in the RSF's campaign of atrocities and forced displacement across Sudan. His brother, Hemedti, was likewise designated by the Treasury Department in January 2025 for directing those same operations. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has been unequivocal in its condemnation of the ongoing, catastrophic war in Sudan and the genocide being perpetrated by the RSF in Darfur. As such, we respectfully request additional information on Algoney's stay in the United States.

The State Department hosted a meeting on October 24, of "the Quad", composed of the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This meeting featured direct engagements with representatives from the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) aimed at advancing peace and stability in Sudan. We understand that Algony was in Washington, D.C. to represent the RSF at these Quad talks. However, Algoney reportedly remained in Washington after the conclusion of the Quad discussions, notably while the RSF was systematically massacring civilians in El Fasher, West Darfur, and preventing their escape from the city. Photos of Algoney socializing at the Waldorf Astoria, a five-star hotel, and walking on the streets of Washington, D.C. circulated social media from October 26-28.

Unless authorized, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit a designated person from engaging with the U.S. economy. Given the breadth and severity of OFAC restrictions, we request information about the conditions under which Algoney entered the United States, whether those conditions were adhered to, and any accommodations made to facilitate his stay in Washington.

Specific questions include:

• In addition to property blocking sanctions, is Algoney subject to any visa restrictions under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021, or Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act?

• If so, was a visa issued to Algoney specifically to facilitate his participation in the Quad Meeting as a representative of the RSF? If not for that purpose, then for what purpose?

• Were any waivers, licenses or exemptions issued to facilitate Algoney's entrance and stay in the United States? Please detail which agency, under what statutory authority, and covering what time period, any waivers, licenses or exemptions were issued.

• Did OFAC, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, or any other federal agency authorize, pay for or approve his travel, lodging, or activities in the United States?

• Who covered the costs, including lodging, meals and incidentals, associated with Algoney's visit to the United States?

• Did any foreign government facilitate Algoney's visit in any way?

• Does Algoney maintain a valid visa to enter the United States at a future date?

• Was Algoney's presence in Washington, D.C., including his stay at the Waldorf Astoria and other public activities, consistent with the restrictions applicable to individuals designated under OFAC sanctions?

• Were any U.S. persons or entities, such as hotels, transportation services, financial institutions, or intermediaries, involved in transactions that may constitute prohibited dealings with a sanctioned individual?

We appreciate your time and attention to this oversight matter and look forward to an expedient response to these questions.

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