A Sudanese court has sentenced Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, to death for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide linked to violence in West Darfur.
The court in Port Sudan, which is controlled by the Sudanese army, announced the verdict against Hemedti and 15 other senior RSF figures. All defendants were tried in absentia and received the same death sentence.
The Sudan Founding Alliance, a political group linked to the RSF, rejected the decision and called the trial unfair. The group said the ruling was politically motivated and dismissed the court’s judgment.
Court Accuses RSF Leaders of Darfur Atrocities
The case focused on alleged crimes committed in el-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, during 2023. Prosecutors accused RSF forces and allied groups of carrying out deadly attacks against civilians.
The court found the accused responsible for organising attacks, destroying homes, looting properties, and targeting schools, religious sites, and residential areas.
Among those sentenced were Hemedti’s brother and RSF deputy leader Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, his other brother Al-Qoni Hamdan Dagalo, and West Darfur RSF commander Abdul Rahman Juma Barkallah.
RSF Rejects War Crimes Allegations
The RSF has not issued a direct response to the latest verdict. However, the group has repeatedly denied accusations of committing war crimes during Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
However, the practical impact of the ruling remains uncertain because RSF forces still control large areas of western Sudan.
Hemedti’s current location remains unknown.
International Groups Raise Concerns Over Darfur Violence
International investigators have also said they have evidence connecting RSF leaders to serious violations during the conflict.
Human rights groups reported that thousands of people were killed in and around el-Geneina between April and November 2023. Hundreds of thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes due to the violence.
Sudan Civil War Continues
Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have faced accusations of human rights abuses during the war. International investigators have reported attacks on civilians, medical facilities, and important public infrastructure by both sides.
