RSF Leader Hemedti Sentenced to Death
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, the head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, has been sentenced to death by a Sudanese court for his role in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in West Darfur. The court, located in Port Sudan, which is under army control, also sentenced 15 other senior RSF figures to death on similar charges.
The Sudan Founding Alliance, a political group including the RSF, has rejected the verdict. Hemedti was tried in absentia, and his current location remains unknown. The RSF has not officially commented but has previously denied allegations of war crimes.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict in Sudan erupted on April 15, 2023, due to a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army chief, and Hemedti. Previously allies, their forces turned against each other over disagreements about integrating the RSF into the army amidst Sudan's transition to civilian rule.
Initial battles began in Khartoum and quickly spread nationwide, with RSF forces capturing much of the capital. Despite the army's stronghold on key military positions and air superiority, fighting persisted, displacing millions and creating a humanitarian crisis.
In Darfur, the RSF and allied militias faced accusations of ethnically targeted violence, including killings and sexual assaults against non-Arab communities, particularly the Massalit, around el-Geneina in West Darfur.
Shifting Control
While the army regained control of Wad Madani and the presidential palace in 2025, the RSF retained significant influence in Darfur, eventually capturing the army's last stronghold in the region. The conflict then shifted focus to el-Obeid, a strategic city in North Kordofan, crucial for controlling troop movements and supplies.
International warnings have been issued regarding the risk of large-scale atrocities with intense fighting around el-Obeid, where civilians face siege-like conditions.
Who is Hemedti?
Born in the mid-1970s into the Mahariya branch of the Rizeigat community in Darfur, Hemedti rose through the ranks of the Janjaweed militias, initially supported by former President Omar al-Bashir. In 2013, al-Bashir integrated Janjaweed fighters into the RSF, appointing Hemedti as leader.
Despite his alliance with al-Bashir, Hemedti played a pivotal role in the president's ousting during a 2019 uprising. He then emerged as a key figure in Sudan's military leadership alongside al-Burhan. However, their alliance dissolved in 2021, leading to the current conflict.
Convictions and Global Reactions
The trial in Port Sudan focused on atrocities in el-Geneina, including the 2023 killing of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abakar. Hemedti and others were found guilty of orchestrating attacks on civilians, looting, and targeting vital infrastructure such as schools and places of worship.
Among those sentenced were Hemedti's brothers and key RSF commanders. The court ordered confiscation of RSF assets and requested Interpol's assistance in apprehending those convicted who remain at large.
Internationally, the United States has sanctioned Hemedti, accusing the RSF of genocide. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has gathered evidence suggesting top RSF leaders' involvement in atrocities, although no charges have been announced.
A recent UN report also accused the RSF of committing genocide during its siege of el-Fasher. The RSF has denied these allegations, while the Sudanese army also faces accusations of war crimes against civilians and infrastructure.
Source: Original Article
